Computer and Information Research Scientists in the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC area earn an average annual salary of $129,630. This figure is notably below the national average of $167,850, suggesting that while the demand exists, compensation may be influenced by regional economic factors or a different competitive landscape compared to national hubs. The specific economic drivers within this metropolitan area shape the remuneration for these highly specialized roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $129,630 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $184,800.
- Outlook: The local job market for Computer and Information Research Scientists in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC, while not as saturated as national averages, shows a significant concentration. With a total local workforce of 510 and a Location Quotient of 2.69, this indicates a demand that is more than double the national average relative to the general workforce. This robust concentration suggests a healthy and potentially growing demand for these specialized professionals within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Computer and Information Research Scientists in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC earns-22.8%below the national average.
$62.3
$2,493
$10,803
Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this locality isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries for Computer and Information Research Scientists over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Technological advancements and increasing reliance on data-driven research typically drive salary growth in this field, suggesting that professionals in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk can anticipate continued, albeit potentially moderate, salary appreciation.
Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary Distribution in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC
Salary progression for Computer and Information Research Scientists typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with advanced degrees and a proven track record can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps between junior and senior roles highlight the substantial career growth and earning potential within this specialized scientific domain.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $87,880 | $42.3 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $97,223 | $46.7 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $127,650 | $61.4 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $162,038 | $77.9 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $184,800 | $88.8 |
Detailed Computer and Information Research Scientists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$129,630
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$129,630
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $129,630 in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, providing a stable financial footing for residents without the added pressure of higher living expenses often found in more expensive metropolitan areas.
Job Market Context
510
Total Jobs
0.671
Per 1K Jobs
2.69
Location Quotient
Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC has 2.7x 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.
A Location Quotient of 2.69 for Computer and Information Research Scientists in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC, signifies a highly concentrated job market. This indicates that the region employs a disproportionately higher number of these professionals compared to the national average. Such a concentration suggests a specialized demand, potentially driven by local industries, research institutions, or government contracts, making it a significant hub for this career path.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Computer and Information Research Scientists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Richmond, VA Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary | $196,020↑ 51% | 96 mi |
Comparing salaries near Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC
Hiring Computer and Information Research Scientistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Computer and Information Research Scientists make in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC?
The median annual salary for a Computer and Information Research Scientists in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC is $129,630. This typically ranges from $87,880 for entry-level positions to $184,800 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC is 22.8% lower than the national median of $167,850.
Is Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC a lucrative place for Computer and Information Research Scientists?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation relative to the cost of living.While the average salary is below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the $129,630 salary hold strong purchasing power. The high concentration (LQ 2.69) also points to a robust local demand.
Is Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC a good place to live for Computer and Information Research Scientists?
The Cost of Living Index in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Richmond, VA ($196,020) and others.
How does the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Computer and Information Research Scientists in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk is $129,630, which is lower than the national average of $167,850.
What does the Location Quotient of 2.69 mean for this role?
A Location Quotient of 2.69 indicates that Computer and Information Research Scientists are more than twice as concentrated in the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk area compared to the national average, suggesting a strong regional presence and demand for these professionals.
How does the Cost of Living Index affect the salary's value?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $129,630 salary in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning your earnings go as far as they would in a typical U.S. city.
What is the total number of Computer and Information Research Scientists in this area?
There are approximately 510 Computer and Information Research Scientists employed within the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 510 employees in the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC area with a job density of 0.671 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 Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC