Overview Salaries

Salaries in Portsmouth, VA

Updated on May 10, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Portsmouth, VA?

The average salary in Portsmouth, VA is $56,103 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Portsmouth, VA, showing an average salary of $56,103 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Portsmouth, VA, showing an average salary of $4,675 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Portsmouth, VA, showing an average salary of $1,079 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.

Portsmouth, VA, offers a diverse range of job opportunities with varying salary levels. The average yearly salary in the area is $56,103. This figure includes roles from different sectors, providing a broad view of the local job market.


The salary distribution in Portsmouth is spread across various income levels. The most common salary range is between $37,318 and $48,586, making up 27.25% of the workforce. Other notable salary brackets include $59,855 to $71,123 (12.10%), $71,123 to $82,391 (5.74%), and $116,195 to $127,464 (1.42%). These percentages show the distribution and can help job seekers understand the earning potential in different roles across the city.

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What are the best paying jobs in Portsmouth, VA?

Job seekers in Portsmouth, VA, can look forward to some of the best-paying opportunities in the healthcare and technical fields. Nurse Practitioners top the list with an average salary of over $137,000. Pharmacists and Dental Hygienists also earn very well, with average salaries exceeding $130,000 and $108,000, respectively. In addition to healthcare roles, technical positions offer excellent pay. For example, a Technical Project Lead earns around $86,907. Those interested in transportation and utilities will find rewarding salaries as well. CDL Drivers and Equipment Operators can expect earnings above $72,000. These careers provide good stability and good pay, making them attractive to many job seekers.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Portsmouth, VA, highlighting Nurse Practitioner with the highest at $137,366 and Electrician with the lowest at $60,089.

  1. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $137,366
    Nurse Practitioners in this area play a crucial role in providing healthcare. They work in clinics and hospitals, often collaborating with other medical professionals. Companies like Mary Immaculate Hospital and Chesapeake Regional Healthcare offer opportunities.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Portsmouth, VA


  2. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $131,234
    Pharmacists are vital for ensuring safe medication use. They work in pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics. Local pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens provide rewarding positions.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Portsmouth, VA


  3. Dental Hygienist
    Average Salary: $108,034
    Dental Hygienists help maintain oral health. They clean teeth and educate patients on proper dental care. Offices like Smile Solutions and Kids Dental offer many opportunities.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Portsmouth, VA


  4. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $93,497
    These professionals work with patients who have speech and language issues. They help children and adults improve their communication skills. Local schools and healthcare facilities provide many roles.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Portsmouth, VA


  5. Technical Project Lead
    Average Salary: $86,907
    Technical Project Leads manage IT projects. They coordinate teams and ensure projects meet goals. Companies like Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems offer interesting positions.
    Find Technical Project Lead jobs in Portsmouth, VA


  6. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $86,065
    Registered Nurses provide essential care to patients. They work in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Places like Sentara Healthcare and Mary Immaculate Hospital offer many roles.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Portsmouth, VA


  7. CDL Driver
    Average Salary: $72,583
    CDL Drivers transport goods and materials. They follow safety regulations and ensure timely deliveries. Companies like J.B. Hunt Transport Services and Schneider offer many positions.
    Find CDL Driver jobs in Portsmouth, VA


  8. Equipment Operator
    Average Salary: $64,297
    These professionals operate heavy machinery. They work in construction, mining, and manufacturing. Firms like DRS Technologies and BAE Systems offer many opportunities.
    Find Equipment Operator jobs in Portsmouth, VA


  9. Licensed Practical Nurse
    Average Salary: $62,131
    Licensed Practical Nurses provide basic medical care. They work in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Places like Bon Secours and Mary Immaculate Hospital offer many roles.
    Find Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Portsmouth, VA


  10. Electrician
    Average Salary: $60,089
    Electricians install and maintain electrical systems. They work on residential and commercial projects. Companies like Ferguson and Hubbell Electrical offer many positions.
    Find Electrician jobs in Portsmouth, VA

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

Job seekers in Portsmouth, VA, can find excellent opportunities with competitive pay that do not require a college degree. For example, roles such as server, irrigation technician, and groundskeeper offer solid salaries. A server earns an average of $41,956 per year, while an irrigation technician and a groundskeeper both earn over $38,000 annually. Other promising jobs include recreation assistant, housekeeping, and landscaper. A recreation assistant can make $36,509, while a housekeeping position pays about $36,213. Landscapers earn around $34,392 per year. These positions provide a chance to earn a good living without needing a degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Portsmouth, VA without a degree, highlighting Server with the highest at $41,956 and Line Cook with the lowest at $32,181.

  1. Server
    Average Salary: $41,956
    Serve food and beverages to guests. Work in restaurants and cafes. Gain experience in customer service. Local employers include Topgolf and local dining spots.
    Find Server jobs in Portsmouth, VA


  2. Irrigation Technician
    Average Salary: $41,373
    Maintain and repair irrigation systems. Work outdoors in parks and gardens. Companies like local landscape services hire for these roles.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in Portsmouth, VA


  3. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $38,965
    Maintain lawns and gardens. Perform tasks like mowing, trimming, and planting. Work in parks and sports facilities. Local employers include city parks departments and golf courses.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Portsmouth, VA


  4. Recreation Assistant
    Average Salary: $36,509
    Organize and lead activities for community members. Work in parks and recreation centers. Gain experience in event planning and community engagement. Local employers include city recreation departments.
    Find Recreation Assistant jobs in Portsmouth, VA


  5. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $36,213
    Clean and maintain guest rooms in hotels. Follow safety and sanitation standards. Work in local hospitality. Companies like Hilton and Marriott hire for these roles.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Portsmouth, VA


  6. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $34,392
    Create and maintain outdoor spaces. Perform tasks like planting, mulching, and irrigation. Work for landscaping companies and private clients. Local employers include landscape service firms.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Portsmouth, VA


  7. Floor Tech
    Average Salary: $32,481
    Maintain clean and safe flooring in commercial spaces. Use specialized equipment for mopping and waxing. Work in offices and retail stores. Local employers include maintenance service companies.
    Find Floor Tech jobs in Portsmouth, VA


  8. Barista
    Average Salary: $32,464
    Prepare and serve coffee and tea. Gain experience in customer service. Work in cafes and coffee shops. Local employers include local coffee chains.
    Find Barista jobs in Portsmouth, VA


  9. Restaurant Crew
    Average Salary: $32,381
    Assist in all areas of a restaurant. Gain experience in food preparation and customer service. Work in various positions like host, busser, and line cook. Local employers include local dining establishments.
    Find Restaurant Crew jobs in Portsmouth, VA


  10. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $32,181
    Prepare ingredients and cook food quickly and efficiently. Work in busy kitchen environments. Gain experience in food preparation. Local employers include local restaurants and food service companies.
    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 top salaries. Leading the way is US Got People, offering an average salary of $82,057. This company provides attractive compensation packages, making it a top choice for professionals. Close behind is East Coast Truck & Trailer Sales, Inc., which pays an average salary of $70,098, showing strong earning potential in the automotive sales industry. Additionally, WESTERN BRANCH DIESEL and Hutco Inc. provide competitive salaries around $66,770 and $65,657, respectively. These companies offer rewarding opportunities for skilled workers. City of Portsmouth, VA, and Saber Healthcare Group also offer average salaries of $65,631 and $62,306, respectively, presenting good prospects for those in public service and healthcare.
Graph displaying company salaries in Portsmouth, VA, highlighting US Got People with the highest at $82,057 and Harbor Point Behavioral Health Center with the lowest at $53,774.

  1. US Got People
    Average Salary: $82,057
    US Got People offers roles in logistics and supply chain. Workers enjoy good pay and benefits.


  2. East Coast Truck & Trailer Sales, Inc.
    Average Salary: $70,098
    East Coast Truck & Trailer Sales, Inc. provides truck sales and services. Employees benefit from competitive salaries and career growth.


  3. WESTERN BRANCH DIESEL
    Average Salary: $66,770
    WESTERN BRANCH DIESEL specializes in diesel repair and maintenance. The company values skilled technicians and offers good compensation.


  4. Hutco Inc.
    Average Salary: $65,657
    Hutco Inc. focuses on military logistics and support services. It offers stable employment and a decent salary package.


  5. City of Portsmouth, VA
    Average Salary: $65,631
    The City of Portsmouth, VA provides diverse job opportunities in public service. Employees enjoy job security and solid benefits.


  6. Saber Healthcare Group
    Average Salary: $62,306
    Saber Healthcare Group offers healthcare services and staffing solutions. Workers benefit from good pay and opportunities for advancement.


  7. Portsmouth Public Schools
    Average Salary: $61,783
    Portsmouth Public Schools offer roles in education and support staff positions. The company values educators and offers good compensation.


  8. CVS Health
    Average Salary: $59,703
    CVS Health provides pharmacy and healthcare services. Employees enjoy health benefits and a stable income.


  9. Rivers Casino
    Average Salary: $54,448
    Rivers Casino offers jobs in hospitality and entertainment. Workers enjoy competitive pay and a lively work environment.


  10. Harbor Point Behavioral Health Center
    Average Salary: $53,774
    Harbor Point Behavioral Health Center provides mental health services. The company offers decent salaries and opportunities for professional growth.

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

The cost of living index in Portsmouth, VA, shows a generally comparable level to the nationwide average, with a few variations. Housing costs stand at 95%, slightly below the 100% average. Groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses also hover close to the national average, with most categories ranging from 95% to 101%. Overall, Portsmouth offers a living experience that is nearly on par with the national cost of living, making it a viable option for job seekers who value affordability without sacrificing quality.
Cost of living comparison graph for Portsmouth, VA vs. Nationwide: housing 5% lower, groceries 2% lower, utilities 1% higher, transportation 3% lower, healthcare 1% lower, miscellaneous 3% lower.

The cost of living in Portsmouth, Virginia, reflects an overall experience that is quite close to the nationwide average. Housing costs, for instance, sit slightly below the national standard at 95, which means expenses here are 5% cheaper than the average across the country. This provides potential savings for those planning to rent or buy homes in the area.


Additionally, groceries and transportation also align closely with the average, at 98 and 97 respectively. This indicates that everyday essentials and commuting expenses are nearly on par with the rest of the nation. However, utilities, healthcare, and miscellaneous costs all slightly exceed the national norm, with utilities at 101, healthcare at 99, and miscellaneous expenses at 97. Despite these minor increases, the overall cost of living in Portsmouth remains reasonably comparable to the nationwide average, making it a feasible option for many job seekers.

There are 514 job openings in Portsmouth, VA, today!

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Portsmouth, VA
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