Overview Salaries

Salaries in Portsmouth, VA

Updated on Mar 10, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Portsmouth, VA?

The average salary in Portsmouth, VA is $56,048 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Portsmouth, VA, showing an average salary of $56,048 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Portsmouth, VA, showing an average salary of $4,671 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Portsmouth, VA, showing an average salary of $1,078 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Portsmouth, VA, showing an average salary of $27 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Job seekers in Portsmouth, VA, can find a range of salary opportunities. The average yearly salary sits at $56,048. This figure represents the midpoint of various roles and industries in the area. The data shows a variety of earnings across different professions, offering insight into what different job markets offer.

Portsmouth's job market includes a mix of lower and higher-paying positions. Some of the higher-paying jobs include roles that require specialized skills or education. For example, those in management or technical fields often earn more. On the other hand, entry-level and some service jobs fall on the lower end of the salary scale. Understanding this can help job seekers target roles that match their skills and experience levels.

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What are the best paying jobs in Portsmouth, VA?

Looking for a well-paying job in Portsmouth, VA? Several career paths stand out for their high earnings. Nurses and pharmacists lead the way, with average salaries reaching over $130,000 annually. Also, roles like dental hygienists, behavior analysts, and speech-language pathologists offer solid pay, with salaries averaging above $100,000. In addition, technical and skilled trades can provide competitive wages. For example, technical project leads and registered nurses can earn around $85,000 or more each year. Even positions like CDL drivers, CNC machinists, and equipment operators offer respectable incomes, typically above $60,000 annually. These jobs highlight a range of opportunities for professionals seeking higher pay in Portsmouth.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Portsmouth, VA, highlighting Nurse Practitioner with the highest at $138,481 and Equipment Operator with the lowest at $64,559.

  1. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $138,481
    Care for patients in medical offices and hospitals. Offer primary and specialty care. Work in collaboration with doctors and other healthcare professionals. Opportunities at Bon Secours and Portsmouth Regional Hospital.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Portsmouth, VA


  2. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $130,828
    Fill prescriptions and advise patients on medications. Work in local pharmacies, like CVS and Walgreens. Ensure safe and effective use of drugs. Participate in health and wellness programs.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Portsmouth, VA


  3. Dental Hygienist
    Average Salary: $108,408
    Clean teeth and educate patients on oral health. Work in private practices and dental clinics. Offer preventive dental care. Opportunities at Virginia Dental Care and Portsmouth Oral Surgery.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Portsmouth, VA


  4. Behavior Analyst
    Average Salary: $105,733
    Help individuals with behavioral challenges. Work in schools, clinics, and private practices. Develop and implement behavior intervention plans. Companies like ABA Therapy Services offer positions.
    Find Behavior Analyst jobs in Portsmouth, VA


  5. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $93,371
    Evaluate and treat speech and language disorders. Work in hospitals, schools, and rehabilitation centers. Help patients communicate effectively. Opportunities at Portsmouth Public Schools and Bon Secours.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Portsmouth, VA


  6. Technical Project Lead
    Average Salary: $85,382
    Manage technical projects and teams. Oversee project timelines and deliverables. Work with companies like Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems. Ensure projects meet client requirements.
    Find Technical Project Lead jobs in Portsmouth, VA


  7. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $85,351
    Provide patient care in hospitals and clinics. Monitor patient health and administer treatments. Work at Portsmouth Regional Hospital and Bon Secours. Opportunities in various specialties.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Portsmouth, VA


  8. CDL Driver
    Average Salary: $73,274
    Drive large vehicles and transport goods. Follow safety regulations and delivery schedules. Companies like UPS and Amazon Logistics offer positions. Requires a Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
    Find CDL Driver jobs in Portsmouth, VA


  9. CNC Machinist
    Average Salary: $65,716
    Operate computer numerical control (CNC) machines. Produce precision parts and tools. Work in manufacturing companies. Opportunities at BAE Systems and Portsmouth Shipbuilding.
    Find CNC Machinist jobs in Portsmouth, VA


  10. Equipment Operator
    Average Salary: $64,559
    Operate heavy machinery in construction and manufacturing. Ensure safe and efficient operations. Work for companies like Norfolk Southern and BAE Systems. Requires proper training and certification.
    Find Equipment Operator jobs in Portsmouth, VA

What are the best paying jobs in Portsmouth, VA without a degree?

Job seekers in Portsmouth, VA, can find several high-paying opportunities that do not require a degree. Leading roles include positions like Irrigation Technician, Server, and Groundskeeper. These jobs offer competitive salaries while providing valuable skills and experience. Irrigation Technicians, Servers, and Groundskeepers in Portsmouth typically enjoy good pay without needing a degree. These roles offer chances to earn around $41,789, $40,927, and $37,415 annually. These jobs provide both steady income and chances to grow professionally.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Portsmouth, VA without a degree, highlighting Irrigation Technician with the highest at $41,789 and Line Cook with the lowest at $32,009.

  1. Irrigation Technician
    Average Salary: $41,789
    Irrigation Technicians manage water systems. They work for landscaping firms and ensure proper watering of plants. This job allows hands-on work and good pay.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in Portsmouth, VA


  2. Server
    Average Salary: $40,927
    Servers work in restaurants and cafes. They take orders and serve food and drinks. This role offers flexible hours and good tips.
    Find Server jobs in Portsmouth, VA


  3. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $37,415
    Groundskeepers maintain parks and facilities. They work for municipal parks and private properties. The job includes landscaping and ensuring a clean environment.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Portsmouth, VA


  4. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $36,422
    Housekeepers clean rooms in hotels and motels. They ensure rooms are tidy and welcoming for guests. This role provides steady work and good tips.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Portsmouth, VA


  5. Recreation Assistant
    Average Salary: $36,120
    Recreation Assistants help at community centers. They organize activities for children and adults. This job is ideal for those who enjoy working with people.
    Find Recreation Assistant jobs in Portsmouth, VA


  6. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $34,056
    Landscapers design and maintain outdoor spaces. They work for landscaping companies and gardens. This job involves physical labor and creativity.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Portsmouth, VA


  7. Floor Tech
    Average Salary: $32,995
    Floor Techs maintain floors in commercial buildings. They sweep, mop, and sometimes wax floors. This job offers steady work and good hours.
    Find Floor Tech jobs in Portsmouth, VA


  8. Barista
    Average Salary: $32,558
    Baristas work in coffee shops and cafes. They prepare coffee drinks and serve customers. This role is ideal for those who enjoy a fast-paced environment.
    Find Barista jobs in Portsmouth, VA


  9. Restaurant Crew
    Average Salary: $32,300
    Restaurant Crews help with various tasks in restaurants. They set up tables and clean up. This job provides experience in the food service industry.
    Find Restaurant Crew jobs in Portsmouth, VA


  10. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $32,009
    Line Cooks prepare food in restaurants. They work in a fast-paced kitchen environment. This role is perfect for those who enjoy cooking and teamwork.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Portsmouth, VA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Portsmouth, VA?

Job seekers in Portsmouth, VA, have several companies to consider for better-paying opportunities. US Got People leads the way with an average salary of $81,793. This company offers competitive pay compared to others in the area, such as WESTERN BRANCH DIESEL and the City of Portsmouth, VA, which both hover around $65,000. Other notable employers include Hutco Inc., Portsmouth Public Schools, and Saber Healthcare Group, all offering salaries between $60,000 and $65,000 annually. CVS Health, Rivers Casino, Harbor Point Behavioral Health Center, and Tidewater Community College also provide solid compensation packages, making these companies attractive for those looking to advance their careers in the region.
Graph displaying company salaries in Portsmouth, VA, highlighting US Got People with the highest at $81,793 and Tidewater Community College with the lowest at $51,704.

  1. US Got People
    Average Salary: $81,793
    US Got People provides staffing solutions for various industries. They offer competitive salaries and benefits.


  2. WESTERN BRANCH DIESEL
    Average Salary: $66,048
    WESTERN BRANCH DIESEL specializes in diesel engine services. They are known for fair wages and a good work environment.


  3. City of Portsmouth, VA
    Average Salary: $65,573
    The City of Portsmouth offers a range of jobs in public service. They provide stable employment and good benefits.


  4. Hutco Inc.
    Average Salary: $65,126
    Hutco Inc. operates in the machinery and equipment sector. They value their employees and offer attractive compensation.


  5. Portsmouth Public Schools
    Average Salary: $61,865
    Portsmouth Public Schools provide educational services. They offer competitive salaries and a supportive work environment.


  6. Saber Healthcare Group
    Average Salary: $61,858
    Saber Healthcare Group offers healthcare services. They prioritize employee well-being and provide good salaries.


  7. CVS Health
    Average Salary: $60,176
    CVS Health is a leading healthcare company. They offer a range of benefits and competitive salaries.


  8. Rivers Casino
    Average Salary: $54,098
    Rivers Casino offers entertainment and gaming services. They provide good compensation and a dynamic work environment.


  9. Harbor Point Behavioral Health Center
    Average Salary: $53,597
    Harbor Point provides mental health services. They offer fair salaries and a supportive workplace.


  10. Tidewater Community College
    Average Salary: $51,704
    Tidewater Community College offers educational services. They provide good salaries and benefits for faculty and staff.

How does the cost of living in Portsmouth, VA compare to the national average?

Portsmouth, VA, shows a cost of living index that is slightly below the nationwide average. Housing, utilities, and transportation in Portsmouth are 5%, 10%, and 5% cheaper, respectively, compared to the national norm. Meanwhile, groceries and miscellaneous items are marginally more expensive by 5% and 2%. Healthcare costs align with the national average. For professional job seekers considering Portsmouth, these figures suggest that while housing and transportation costs can be more manageable, there might be slightly higher spending on groceries and miscellaneous items. Overall, this data provides a balanced view of what to expect in terms of living expenses in Portsmouth.
Cost of living comparison graph for Portsmouth, VA vs. Nationwide: housing 5% lower, groceries 5% higher, utilities 10% higher, transportation 5% lower, healthcare 0% lower, miscellaneous 2% lower.

Job seekers considering Portsmouth, Virginia, may find the cost of living there to be quite competitive compared to the nationwide average. The housing index in Portsmouth stands at 95, which means housing costs about 5% less than the national average. This is a significant advantage for those looking to save on one of the largest expenses of living.


Moreover, the transportation index is also lower in Portsmouth, at 95, which is another 5% savings on average costs. These two categories show that people moving to Portsmouth can benefit from reduced expenses. Although the grocery index is slightly higher at 105, meaning groceries are about 5% more expensive, the overall cost of living remains attractive. Utilities, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses are also close to the national average, with utilities at 110, healthcare at 100, and miscellaneous expenses at 98. This balance makes Portsmouth an appealing option for those seeking a reasonable cost of living without sacrificing quality of life.

There are 887 job openings in Portsmouth, VA, today!

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Portsmouth, VA
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