In the Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Architecture and Engineering Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $83,960. This figure is notably below the national average of $103,510, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand dynamics within this geographic area. The lower average salary is often influenced by the cost of doing business, local market saturation, and the overall economic landscape of nonmetropolitan regions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $83,960 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $128,110.
- Outlook: The Architecture and Engineering sector in Southwest Virginia's nonmetropolitan area comprises a workforce of 1,230 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.63, the concentration of these roles is below the national average, suggesting a less saturated market compared to national trends. The presence of approximately 10.45 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a steady, albeit not overwhelmingly high, demand for these specialized skills within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Architecture and Engineering Occupations in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area earns-18.9%below the national average.
$40.4
$1,615
$6,997
Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise region and occupation is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries within Architecture and Engineering Occupations have experienced a consistent upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national economic growth and increasing demand for skilled professionals. This growth is typically driven by infrastructure development, technological advancements, and the need for innovative design and engineering solutions across various industries.
Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary Distribution in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression within Architecture and Engineering Occupations is significantly influenced by experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized expertise can achieve earnings in the upper percentiles, often exceeding the average. The widening gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $46,880 | $22.5 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $62,970 | $30.3 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $79,200 | $38.1 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $104,950 | $50.5 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $128,110 | $61.6 |
Detailed Architecture and Engineering Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$83,960
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$83,960
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $83,960 in Southwest Virginia's nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average. Therefore, the $83,960 earned locally can support a lifestyle comparable to someone earning the national average salary in a region with a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
1,230
Total Jobs
10.448
Per 1K Jobs
0.63
Location Quotient
Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area has 0.63x the national average concentration of Architecture and Engineering Occupations jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
The Location Quotient of 0.63 for Architecture and Engineering Occupations in Southwest Virginia's nonmetropolitan area indicates that these roles are less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the overall number of jobs might be lower, the market may be less competitive for skilled professionals, potentially offering more opportunities for those with specialized expertise. Employers in this region might face challenges in finding highly specialized talent due to this lower concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Architecture and Engineering Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville, VA Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary | $100,600↑ 20% | 25 mi |
| Richmond, VA Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary | $96,610↑ 15% | 41 mi |
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary | $85,490↑ 2% | 56 mi |
| Harrisonburg, VA Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary | $80,540↓ 4% | 60 mi |
| Lynchburg, VA Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary | $95,370↑ 14% | 61 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Architecture and Engineering Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Architecture and Engineering Occupations make in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Architecture and Engineering Occupations in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is $83,960. This typically ranges from $46,880 for entry-level positions to $128,110 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 18.9% lower than the national median of $103,510.
Is Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Architecture and Engineering Occupationss?
No, not compared to the national average.The average salary of $83,960 is significantly lower than the national average of $103,510. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is maintained.
Is Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Architecture and Engineering Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlottesville, VA ($100,600) and Richmond, VA.
What is the average salary for Architecture and Engineering Occupations in Southwest Virginia?
The average annual salary for Architecture and Engineering Occupations in the Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is $83,960.
How does Southwest Virginia's salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Southwest Virginia ($83,960) is lower than the national average ($103,510) for Architecture and Engineering Occupations.
What is the Cost of Living Index in Southwest Virginia?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Virginia's nonmetropolitan area is 100, which is the same as the national average.
How concentrated are Architecture and Engineering jobs in this region?
The concentration of Architecture and Engineering jobs, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.63, is below the national average, suggesting fewer specialized roles relative to the total workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,230 employees in the Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 10.448 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
- All Occupations Salary in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
- Production Occupations Salary in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
- Browse All Jobs in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Architecture and Engineering Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area