In the Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations earn an average annual salary of $77,200. This figure is notably below the national average of $91,840, suggesting that regional economic factors and potentially a different industry focus in this area influence compensation levels for these specialized roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $77,200 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $124,890.
- Outlook: The job market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Northwest Virginia's nonmetropolitan area appears stable, with a total local workforce of 600 individuals in this sector. A location quotient of 0.97 indicates that the concentration of these jobs is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a consistent, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these specialized skills within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area earns-15.9%below the national average.
$37.1
$1,485
$6,433
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this localized sector is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan areas have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation. This growth would likely reflect an increasing demand for scientific expertise and a competitive labor market, even in nonmetropolitan settings.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions might start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and advanced degrees can command salaries well into the higher percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles underscores the value of accumulated knowledge and demonstrated expertise in this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $39,560 | $19 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $57,900 | $27.8 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $67,650 | $32.5 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $96,500 | $46.4 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $124,890 | $60 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$77,200
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$77,200
Adjusted for COL (100)
For individuals considering a move to Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area, the average salary of $77,200 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 income locally is equivalent to the national standard, making it a neutral factor in relocation decisions from a cost perspective.
Job Market Context
600
Total Jobs
9.13
Per 1K Jobs
0.97
Location Quotient
Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area has 0.97x the national average concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations 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 0.97, the job market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is neither significantly oversupplied nor undersupplied compared to the national landscape. This suggests a balanced environment where professionals can find opportunities without facing extreme competition, while employers can access a reasonably available talent pool.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville, VA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $79,120↑ 2% | 25 mi |
| Richmond, VA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $88,970↑ 15% | 41 mi |
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $76,990↓ 0% | 56 mi |
| Harrisonburg, VA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $76,720↓ 1% | 60 mi |
| Lynchburg, VA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $90,330↑ 17% | 61 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is $77,200. This typically ranges from $39,560 for entry-level positions to $124,890 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 15.9% lower than the national median of $91,840.
Is Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $77,200 is below the national average of $91,840, indicating lower compensation. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is comparable.
Is Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlottesville, VA ($79,120) and Richmond, VA.
How does the job concentration compare nationally?
The location quotient of 0.97 signifies that the concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is very close to the national average, indicating a similar level of industry presence.
What is the total number of these science jobs locally?
There are approximately 600 individuals employed in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations within the Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area.
How many science jobs are there per 1,000 workers in this region?
For every 1,000 workers in the Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area, there are 9.13 jobs within the Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations sector.
Does the cost of living affect the $77,200 salary?
The cost of living index is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the $77,200 salary has the same purchasing power in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area as the national average salary would have nationally.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 600 employees in the Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 9.13 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area