What is the average salary in Portsmouth, VA?
Portsmouth, VA, offers competitive salaries across various industries. Job seekers will find that average yearly salaries hover around $56,674. The range of salaries reflects the diverse job opportunities available, with many roles offering attractive compensation packages.
The distribution of salaries shows a wide range of opportunities. Jobs in higher-paying sectors like technology and finance can earn upwards of $100,000 annually. Positions in fields such as education, healthcare, and administrative support also offer salaries between $37,000 and $60,000 per year. This diversity in salary levels provides many options for job seekers to find roles that match their skills and financial goals.
What are the best paying jobs in Portsmouth, VA?

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Nurse Practitioner
Average Salary: $136,328
In this role, one can work for major healthcare facilities offering patient care. These include Riverside Health System and Bon Secours. Nurse practitioners can specialize in various areas such as family medicine, pediatrics, or geriatrics.
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Pharmacist
Average Salary: $131,951
Pharmacists in Portsmouth help customers get the right medications. They work in pharmacies like CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens. Pharmacists review prescriptions and provide information about drug interactions and side effects.
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Speech Language Pathologist
Average Salary: $93,892
These professionals work with people who have communication disorders. They can find jobs in hospitals like Portsmouth Regional Hospital. Speech language pathologists create treatment plans and help patients improve their speech and language skills.
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Technical Project Lead
Average Salary: $88,561
Technical project leads work for companies such as BAE Systems and Northrop Grumman. They oversee projects from start to finish, ensuring they meet the client’s needs. They manage teams and coordinate tasks to ensure the project stays on track.
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Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $87,924
Registered nurses can work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals and clinics. Employers include Sentara Healthcare and Bon Secours. RNs provide care to patients, administer medications, and coordinate with doctors and other healthcare professionals.
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CDL Driver
Average Salary: $74,414
CDL drivers operate large vehicles for companies like XPO Logistics and J.B. Hunt Transport Services. They transport goods and materials across the city and beyond. CDL drivers must follow traffic laws and ensure that their vehicles are safe to drive.
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Equipment Operator
Average Salary: $64,432
Equipment operators use machinery for construction and maintenance. Companies in need of operators include Kiewit and Virginia Construction. They perform tasks such as operating excavators, bulldozers, and cranes.
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Licensed Practical Nurse
Average Salary: $61,475
LPNs provide basic nursing care under the supervision of doctors and RNs. They can find work at places like Portsmouth Regional Hospital and Bon Secours. LPNs monitor patients' health, administer medications, and assist with daily activities.
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Electrician
Average Salary: $60,298
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems. They work for companies such as Virginia Electric and Gas and Dominion Energy. Electricians ensure that buildings meet electrical codes and standards.
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General Manager
Average Salary: $55,384
General managers oversee the operations of businesses, including retail stores and restaurants. Employers include Chipotle Mexican Grill and Publix. They manage staff, handle budgets, and ensure that the business meets its goals.
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What are the best paying jobs in Portsmouth, VA without a degree?

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Server
Average Salary: $42,162
Serve food and drinks to customers in a timely manner. Maintain a clean and welcoming environment. Work in local restaurants to ensure guests have a great experience.
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Groundskeeper
Average Salary: $38,869
Maintain the grounds and landscaping of commercial and residential properties. Perform tasks like mowing lawns and trimming shrubs. Companies like local parks and golf courses hire for these roles.
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Recreation Assistant
Average Salary: $37,125
Lead recreational activities for children and adults. Plan events and activities at community centers. Promote fitness and social interaction through various programs.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $36,196
Clean and maintain rooms in hotels or residential buildings. Ensure a tidy and welcoming environment for guests and residents. Work in hotels, motels, and apartment complexes.
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Landscaper
Average Salary: $34,708
Design and maintain outdoor spaces. Plant and care for trees, shrubs, and flowers. Work with both residential and commercial clients to enhance property aesthetics.
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Barista
Average Salary: $32,764
Prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. Interact with customers to take orders. Work in coffee shops and cafes to create a welcoming atmosphere.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $32,461
Prepare ingredients and cook dishes quickly and efficiently. Work in a fast-paced kitchen environment. Essential in busy restaurants and food service establishments.
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Restaurant Crew
Average Salary: $32,381
Assist in various roles within a restaurant. Help with tasks like setting up tables and cleaning. Gain valuable experience in the food service industry.
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Kitchen Team Member
Average Salary: $30,153
Work alongside chefs and cooks to prepare meals. Ensure a clean and organized kitchen. Essential for smooth operations in any dining establishment.
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Dishwasher
Average Salary: $28,482
Clean dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. Ensure everything is sanitized and ready for use. Work in restaurants and cafes to keep the kitchen running smoothly.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Portsmouth, VA?

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US Got People
Average Salary: $82,026
US Got People is a staffing agency. It offers various job opportunities and aims to connect talented individuals with top companies.
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East Coast Truck & Trailer Sales, Inc.
Average Salary: $68,900
East Coast Truck & Trailer Sales, Inc. specializes in selling trucks and trailers. It provides a solid salary and benefits to its employees.
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WESTERN BRANCH DIESEL
Average Salary: $68,367
WESTERN BRANCH DIESEL focuses on diesel engine repair and maintenance. It pays competitive wages and values skilled workers.
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Hutco Inc.
Average Salary: $66,997
Hutco Inc. provides technical support and services. It offers a good salary and a chance to work in a dynamic environment.
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City of Portsmouth, VA
Average Salary: $65,135
The City of Portsmouth offers many job opportunities in various sectors. It aims to provide stable employment and benefits.
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Saber Healthcare Group
Average Salary: $62,744
Saber Healthcare Group is in the healthcare industry. It offers good salaries and focuses on employee well-being.
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Portsmouth Public Schools
Average Salary: $60,093
Portsmouth Public Schools provides education to students. It pays teachers and staff a good salary and values their hard work.
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CVS Health
Average Salary: $58,323
CVS Health is a healthcare company. It offers various job opportunities and aims to provide good pay and benefits.
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Harbor Point Behavioral Health Center
Average Salary: $55,978
Harbor Point Behavioral Health Center provides mental health services. It offers a good salary and a chance to make a difference.
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Rivers Casino
Average Salary: $53,660
Rivers Casino offers jobs in the gaming and hospitality industry. It provides a good salary and a lively work environment.
How does the cost of living in Portsmouth, VA compare to the national average?

The cost of living in Portsmouth, VA, shows how the city compares with the nationwide average, which is set at 100. In Portsmouth, housing costs are slightly lower, specifically at 94. This means residents spend about 6% less on housing than the national average. While this may offer some savings, it’s essential to consider other expenses when evaluating the overall cost of living.
When looking at other areas, the cost for groceries in Portsmouth is just slightly above the national average, at 97. This indicates that food costs are very close to the nationwide rate, with a difference of only 3%. Utilities in Portsmouth are also close to the national average, at 98, showing a minimal difference of 2%. Transportation costs in Portsmouth stand at 95, which is 5% below the national average. This could mean lower commuting expenses for residents. Healthcare costs in Portsmouth match the national average at 100, providing no savings or extra costs in this area. Miscellaneous expenses, at 96, are 4% lower than the national average, contributing to a more affordable living environment in Portsmouth.



