Average Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary in Virginia
Computer and Information Research Scientists in Virginia earn an impressive average annual salary of $159,480. While this figure is slightly below the national average of $167,850, it reflects the state's robust demand for specialized tech talent. Virginia's strategic location and strong presence in government and defense sectors often drive competitive compensation for these high-skilled professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $159,480 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $239,220.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 3,150 Computer and Information Research Scientists, Virginia demonstrates a significant concentration of these professionals, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 3.1. This high quotient suggests a robust job market with demand exceeding the national average, implying a healthy environment for career growth and stability in this field within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Computer and Information Research Scientists in Virginia earns-5.0%below the national average.
$76.7
$3,067
$13,290
Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Computer and Information Research Scientists in Virginia have experienced consistent growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by increasing demand for advanced research and development in technology, cybersecurity, and data science, alongside general economic expansion and inflation.
Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary Distribution in Virginia
Salary progression for Computer and Information Research Scientists in Virginia typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, but as professionals gain expertise and take on more complex projects, their earning potential increases substantially, reaching higher percentiles for senior and lead research roles. This clear distinction in pay across experience levels highlights a well-defined career ladder.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $96,370 | $46.3 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $119,610 | $57.5 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $153,340 | $73.7 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $199,350 | $95.8 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $239,220 | $115 |
Detailed Computer and Information Research Scientists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$159,480
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$157,278
Adjusted for COL (101.4)
The average annual salary of $159,480 in Virginia aligns closely with its Cost of Living Index of 101.4, which is just slightly above the national average of 100. This means that while the cost of living is marginally higher than the national benchmark, the nominal salary offers a strong purchasing power, making Virginia a financially viable and attractive location for these professionals.
Job Market Context
3,150
Total Jobs
0.774
Per 1K Jobs
3.1
Location Quotient
Virginia has 3.1x the national concentration of Computer and Information Research Scientists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
Virginia's Location Quotient of 3.1 for Computer and Information Research Scientists signifies a market that is significantly more concentrated than the national average. This indicates a highly competitive and specialized job market where employers actively seek out talent with these specific research and development skills, suggesting abundant opportunities for qualified individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Computer and Information Research Scientists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville, VA Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary | $143,830↓ 10% | 25 mi |
| Richmond, VA Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary | $196,020↑ 23% | 41 mi |
Comparing salaries near Virginia
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Computer and Information Research Scientists make in Virginia?
The median annual salary for a Computer and Information Research Scientists in Virginia is $159,480. This typically ranges from $96,370 for entry-level positions to $239,220 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Virginia is 5.0% lower than the national median of $167,850.
Is Virginia a lucrative place for Computer and Information Research Scientists?
Yes, Virginia offers a lucrative environment for Computer and Information Research Scientists.The state boasts a high concentration of these professionals (LQ 3.1) and offers a competitive average salary of $159,480, which holds strong purchasing power due to a near-average cost of living.
Is Virginia a good place to live for Computer and Information Research Scientists?
The Cost of Living Index in Virginia is 101.4. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Virginia?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlottesville, VA ($143,830) and Richmond, VA.
How does Virginia's salary compare to the national average for this role?
The average salary in Virginia is $159,480, which is slightly lower than the national average of $167,850.
What is the concentration of Computer and Information Research Scientists in Virginia?
Virginia has a high concentration, with a Location Quotient of 3.1, indicating significantly more professionals in this field than the national average.
How does the cost of living in Virginia affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 101.4, Virginia's cost of living is only slightly above the national average, meaning the $159,480 salary offers good real value.
What does the job market look like for these scientists in Virginia?
The job market is robust, evidenced by a large local workforce and a high concentration quotient, suggesting strong demand and ample opportunities.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,150 employees in the Virginia area with a job density of 0.774 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Computer and Information Research Scientists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Virginia