Average Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health Salary in Richmond, VA
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health in Richmond, VA, earn an average annual salary of $81,720. This figure is notably below the national average of $91,550, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially specific industry demands in the Richmond area influence compensation levels. While the nominal salary is lower, understanding the nuances of the local job market is crucial for accurate career and financial planning.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $81,720 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $107,910.
- Outlook: Richmond, VA, hosts a local workforce of 830 Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health. The robust Location Quotient of 2.31 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, signaling strong local demand and a well-established presence of the industry within the region. With 1.273 jobs per 1,000 workers, the market demonstrates a healthy absorption rate for this specialized talent.
Salary Overview
The average Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health in Richmond, VA earns-10.7%below the national average.
$39.3
$1,572
$6,810
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Richmond is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, driven by increasing environmental regulations, a growing emphasis on sustainability, and a greater awareness of climate change impacts. This upward trend is likely reflected in the Richmond market as well, although local economic factors may moderate the pace of salary increases.
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health Salary Distribution in Richmond, VA
Career progression for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health in Richmond, VA, typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the salary spectrum, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distribution, from the 25th to the 75th percentile and beyond, clearly delineate the earning potential tied to advancing through junior, mid-level, and senior roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $59,350 | $28.5 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $61,290 | $29.5 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $78,140 | $37.6 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $102,150 | $49.1 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $107,910 | $51.9 |
Detailed Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$81,720
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$81,720
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $81,720 in Richmond, VA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an Environmental Scientist's salary in Richmond is comparable to the national average. While the salary is lower than the national average for the profession, the equivalent cost of living suggests that the take-home pay maintains a similar standard of living relative to other parts of the country.
Job Market Context
830
Total Jobs
1.273
Per 1K Jobs
2.31
Location Quotient
Richmond, VA has 2.3x the national concentration of Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
Richmond, VA, presents a compelling employment landscape for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health, evidenced by its Location Quotient of 2.31. This significantly above-average concentration indicates that the region is a hub for this profession, with a demand that outpaces the national average relative to its workforce size. Professionals in this field will find a market that is not only robust but also offers a higher likelihood of finding specialized roles and career opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
Comparing salaries near Richmond, VA
Hiring Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Healths?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health make in Richmond, VA?
The median annual salary for a Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health in Richmond, VA is $81,720. This typically ranges from $59,350 for entry-level positions to $107,910 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Richmond, VA is 10.7% lower than the national median of $91,550.
Is Richmond, VA a lucrative place for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Healths?
Yes, with caveats.Richmond, VA, offers a strong concentration of Environmental Scientist roles (LQ 2.31) and a cost of living on par with the national average. However, the average salary is below the national average for the profession, requiring careful consideration of career goals and compensation expectations.
Is Richmond, VA a good place to live for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Healths?
The Cost of Living Index in Richmond, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Richmond, VA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area ($68,680) and Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area.
How does Richmond's cost of living compare to the national average?
Richmond, VA, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the general cost of goods and services in Richmond is neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical U.S. city.
Is there high demand for Environmental Scientists in Richmond?
Yes, the Location Quotient of 2.31 strongly suggests high demand, as it indicates a concentration of these jobs in Richmond that is more than double the national average relative to the workforce.
What is the average salary for an Environmental Scientist in Richmond?
The average annual salary for an Environmental Scientist and Specialist, Including Health in Richmond, VA, is $81,720.
How does the Richmond salary compare to the national average salary for this role?
The average salary in Richmond ($81,720) is lower than the national average salary for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health, which stands at $91,550.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 830 employees in the Richmond, VA area with a job density of 1.273 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Richmond, VA