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Average Computer Programmers Salary in Richmond, VA

Computer Programmers in Richmond, VA, earn an average annual salary of $96,270. This figure is notably below the national average of $105,010, suggesting a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and demand within the Virginia tech landscape. While not reaching the national benchmark, this salary reflects the specific market dynamics at play in Richmond.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $96,270 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 2.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $136,300.
  • Outlook: The Computer Programmer job market in Richmond, VA, is characterized by a local workforce of 380 professionals and a Location Quotient of 0.82. This indicates a slightly lower concentration of programmers compared to the national average, suggesting a stable but not hyper-saturated market. The presence of nearly 0.6 jobs per 1,000 workers points to consistent, albeit moderate, demand for these skilled professionals within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$96,270

The average Computer Programmers in Richmond, VA earns-8.3%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$46.3

Weekly

$1,851

Monthly

$8,023

Computer Programmers Salary Distribution in Richmond, VA

Salary progression for Computer Programmers in Richmond, VA, typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior programmers with specialized skills and extensive project experience can command salaries in the upper percentiles, potentially exceeding $120,000. These percentile gaps are crucial indicators of career advancement and the increasing value placed on expertise.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$51,240$24.6
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$72,203$34.7
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$90,530$43.5
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$120,338$57.9
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$136,300$65.5

Detailed Computer Programmers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$96,270

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$96,270

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $96,270 in Richmond, VA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Computer Programmer's salary in Richmond is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial footing without the premium associated with higher cost-of-living areas.

Job Market Context

380

Total Jobs

0.586

Per 1K Jobs

0.82

Location Quotient

Below Average

Richmond, VA has 0.82x the national average concentration of Computer Programmers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

With a Location Quotient of 0.82, Richmond, VA, has a slightly lower concentration of Computer Programmers relative to the national average. This suggests that while the demand exists, the market is not oversaturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled professionals. It implies a balanced environment where employers are actively seeking talent, but the pool of candidates is not disproportionately large.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Computer Programmerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Computer Programmers make in Richmond, VA?

The median annual salary for a Computer Programmers in Richmond, VA is $96,270. This typically ranges from $51,240 for entry-level positions to $136,300 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Richmond, VA is 8.3% lower than the national median of $105,010.

Is Richmond, VA a lucrative place for Computer Programmers?

No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the average salary of $96,270 is substantial, it falls below the national average of $105,010. However, the cost of living being at the national average offers good purchasing power.

Is Richmond, VA a good place to live for Computer Programmers?

The Cost of Living Index in Richmond, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does Richmond's programmer salary compare to the national average?

Computer Programmers in Richmond, VA, earn an average of $96,270 annually, which is approximately $8,740 less than the national average of $105,010.

What is the concentration of Computer Programmers in Richmond, VA?

Richmond, VA has a Location Quotient of 0.82 for Computer Programmers, indicating a slightly lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average.

Does the cost of living affect the value of a programmer's salary in Richmond?

No, the cost of living in Richmond is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $96,270 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

How many Computer Programmers are there in Richmond, VA?

There are approximately 380 Computer Programmers working in Richmond, VA, representing about 0.586 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local economy.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 380 employees in the Richmond, VA area with a job density of 0.586 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Computer Programmers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Richmond, VA