What is the average salary in Portsmouth, VA?
Job seekers in Portsmouth, VA, have many opportunities to earn competitive salaries. The average yearly salary stands at about $55,913. This figure reflects the earnings across a range of industries and positions available in the area. With a diverse job market, individuals can find roles that match their skills and qualifications.
Different sectors offer various salary ranges. Here are some key insights into the distribution of salaries in Portsmouth:
- 29.62% of positions pay around $26,000 annually.
- 21.41% of roles offer around $38,091 per year.
- 14.66% of jobs provide approximately $50,182 yearly.
- 9.98% of positions have salaries near $62,273.
- 6.41% of roles offer about $74,364 annually.
- 4.94% of jobs provide around $86,455 per year.
- 3.10% of positions pay close to $98,545.
- 1.70% of roles offer about $110,636 annually.
- 1.64% of jobs provide around $122,727 per year.
- 1.18% of positions pay close to $134,818.
- 0.36% of roles offer about $146,909 annually.
What are the best paying jobs in Portsmouth, VA?

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Pharmacist
Average Salary: $130,398
A pharmacist helps people by preparing prescriptions. Many pharmacies in the area hire pharmacists. They work with patients to ensure they understand how to take their medication. Pharmacists work at major chains and independent pharmacies.
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Dental Hygienist
Average Salary: $107,574
A dental hygienist cleans patients' teeth and examines their mouths. They work in private dental practices and clinics. The job involves using specialized tools to remove plaque and tartar. Dental hygienists educate patients on oral hygiene.
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Behavior Analyst
Average Salary: $102,679
A behavior analyst studies how people behave and develops plans to improve their actions. They work with patients in schools, clinics, and homes. This role requires strong communication skills. Behavior analysts often work with children and their families.
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Speech Language Pathologist
Average Salary: $93,770
A speech language pathologist helps people with communication issues. They work in hospitals, schools, and private practices. This job requires assessing and treating speech and language disorders. Pathologists help patients of all ages improve their communication skills.
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Technical Project Lead
Average Salary: $86,421
A technical project lead manages projects and teams. They work with IT companies and businesses. The job involves planning, coordinating, and executing projects. Technical project leads ensure projects are on time and within budget.
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Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $83,904
A registered nurse cares for patients in hospitals and clinics. They monitor patients, administer medications, and work with doctors. RNs provide emotional support to patients and their families. Many opportunities exist in healthcare facilities in the area.
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CDL Driver
Average Salary: $73,848
A CDL driver operates large vehicles. They transport goods across the country. CDL drivers must have a commercial driver’s license. This job requires long hours and can be found with shipping companies and logistics firms.
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Information Technology Specialist
Average Salary: $72,075
An IT specialist supports and maintains computer systems. They work for businesses and government agencies. This role requires troubleshooting and installing software. IT specialists help ensure smooth operations for their employers.
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CNC Machinist
Average Salary: $65,304
A CNC machinist operates machines that produce parts. They work in manufacturing plants. This job requires reading blueprints and programming machines. CNC machinists produce high-quality parts for various industries.
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Equipment Operator
Average Salary: $64,312
An equipment operator runs heavy machinery. They work in construction and mining. This job requires understanding the equipment and ensuring it works safely. Operators are essential for completing projects on time.
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What are the best paying jobs in Portsmouth, VA without a degree?

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Irrigation Technician
Average Salary: $41,838
These professionals install and maintain irrigation systems for landscapes. They work with landscaping companies and large gardens. They ensure plants get the right amount of water.
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Server
Average Salary: $40,087
Servers work in restaurants and cafes, taking orders and serving food and drinks. They interact with customers and help ensure a positive dining experience. Popular employers include local dining establishments and hotels.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $37,388
Housekeeping staff clean and maintain rooms in hotels, motels, and other lodgings. They ensure all areas are tidy and welcoming for guests. They often work for local hotels and resorts.
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Groundskeeper
Average Salary: $37,016
Groundskeepers maintain the grounds of parks, schools, and private properties. They perform tasks such as mowing lawns, trimming trees, and cleaning up debris. They often work for city parks departments or private property management companies.
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Recreation Assistant
Average Salary: $36,056
Recreation assistants help organize and run activities for youth and adults. They work in community centers, parks, and recreational facilities. They lead sports, arts, and educational programs to promote community engagement.
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Landscaper
Average Salary: $34,056
Landscapers install and maintain outdoor spaces. They plant flowers, trees, and shrubs, and create gardens and pathways. They work for landscaping companies or for private clients needing yard maintenance.
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Barista
Average Salary: $32,558
Baristas prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. They work in cafes and coffee shops. They learn to make different types of coffee drinks and interact with customers to ensure a pleasant experience.
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Floor Tech
Average Salary: $32,555
Floor techs clean and maintain floors in buildings. They sweep, mop, and often wax floors. They work for property management companies and commercial spaces, ensuring a clean environment.
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Restaurant Crew
Average Salary: $32,111
Restaurant crew members assist in various roles in a restaurant. They help with seating, clearing tables, and bussing dishes. They work in all types of dining establishments, ensuring the restaurant runs smoothly.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $32,026
Line cooks prepare ingredients and cook meals in a fast-paced kitchen. They work in restaurants, focusing on efficiency and teamwork. They often handle specific stations, such as grilling or frying, and ensure food is ready on time.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Portsmouth, VA?

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US Got People
Average Salary: $82,293
US Got People is a top employer in Portsmouth. They focus on employment services and have a strong reputation for their commitment to helping people find jobs.
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City of Portsmouth, VA
Average Salary: $65,711
The City of Portsmouth offers a variety of employment opportunities across different departments. Known for its community focus, it provides stable jobs with good benefits.
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WESTERN BRANCH DIESEL
Average Salary: $64,384
WESTERN BRANCH DIESEL specializes in diesel engine services. It’s a reliable company offering jobs with competitive pay and a supportive work environment.
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Fairlead Integrated
Average Salary: $64,099
Fairlead Integrated provides innovative solutions in engineering and consulting. It’s a growing company known for rewarding its employees well.
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Hutco Inc.
Average Salary: $63,723
Hutco Inc. is a leading name in manufacturing. They offer stable jobs with opportunities for career growth and good compensation.
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Epsilon Systems Solutions
Average Salary: $61,607
Epsilon Systems Solutions offers IT and engineering services. They focus on employee satisfaction and provide competitive salaries.
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Saber Healthcare Group
Average Salary: $61,541
Saber Healthcare Group is known for its healthcare services. They offer a range of job opportunities with good pay and benefits.
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CVS Health
Average Salary: $59,047
CVS Health is a well-known company in the healthcare sector. They provide various jobs with solid pay and a strong benefits package.
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Safe Harbor Recovery Center
Average Salary: $56,501
Safe Harbor Recovery Center focuses on addiction treatment. They offer rewarding jobs with a strong sense of purpose and decent compensation.
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Rivers Casino
Average Salary: $53,269
Rivers Casino provides entertainment and hospitality jobs. It’s a popular employer offering various positions with good employee benefits.
How does the cost of living in Portsmouth, VA compare to the national average?

Portsmouth, VA, presents an attractive cost of living when compared to the nationwide average. The housing index in Portsmouth stands at 85, meaning it costs 15% less than the national average. This makes finding a place to live in Portsmouth more affordable, providing significant savings for residents. Similarly, groceries in Portsmouth are priced at 95, which is 5% lower than the average cost across the country. These lower costs in key areas make living in Portsmouth both feasible and economical for many.
Transportation and healthcare costs also play an important role in the overall cost of living. In Portsmouth, the transportation index is 98, indicating that it costs slightly less than the national average. Healthcare costs are at 90, which is 10% lower than the nationwide average. This means residents can save on both their daily commute and medical expenses. Additionally, utilities in Portsmouth are at par with the national average at 100. Miscellaneous costs are also slightly below average at 92, meaning everyday spending remains relatively low. Overall, the cost of living in Portsmouth is favorable, offering a balanced lifestyle at a competitive price.



