Average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary in Richmond, VA
In Richmond, VA, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations earn an average annual salary of $88,970. This figure is slightly below the national average of $91,840, indicating a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and industry demand within the state. While the nominal salary is comparable, understanding the local market dynamics is key to assessing career value.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $88,970 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $136,680.
- Outlook: Richmond's market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations is robust, evidenced by a total local workforce of 6,680 individuals in these roles. The Location Quotient of 1.09 suggests a slightly higher concentration of these jobs in Richmond compared to the national average, pointing to a stable and potentially growing demand for skilled professionals in this sector within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Richmond, VA earns-3.1%below the national average.
$42.8
$1,711
$7,414
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Richmond, VA, have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This upward trajectory is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for specialized scientific expertise, and advancements in research and development within the field.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in Richmond, VA
Career progression within Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Richmond, VA, is marked by significant salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions typically start at lower percentiles, while senior scientists and researchers command salaries in the higher percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify the value placed on accumulated knowledge, specialized skills, and leadership responsibilities as professionals advance in their careers.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $47,400 | $22.8 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $66,728 | $32.1 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $75,910 | $36.5 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $111,213 | $53.5 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $136,680 | $65.7 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$88,970
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$88,970
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $88,970 in Richmond, VA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a salary in Richmond is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the nominal salary offers a comparable standard of living to that experienced nationwide.
Job Market Context
6,680
Total Jobs
10.233
Per 1K Jobs
1.09
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.09, Richmond, VA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.09, Richmond, VA, demonstrates a slightly higher concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations compared to the national average. This indicates a healthy and competitive job market where demand for these specialized roles is at least on par with, if not slightly exceeding, national levels, offering good opportunities for skilled professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
Comparing salaries near Richmond, VA
Hiring Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in Richmond, VA?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Richmond, VA is $88,970. This typically ranges from $47,400 for entry-level positions to $136,680 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Richmond, VA is 3.1% lower than the national median of $91,840.
Is Richmond, VA a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
Yes, Richmond, VA offers a competitive environment for these occupations.The average salary of $88,970 is strong, and the Cost of Living Index of 100 means your earnings have national average purchasing power.
Is Richmond, VA a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
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 ($73,730) and Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area.
How does Richmond's salary compare to the national average for these roles?
The average salary in Richmond, VA, is $88,970, which is slightly lower than the national average of $91,840.
What is the concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science jobs in Richmond?
Richmond has a Location Quotient of 1.09, indicating a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average.
Does the cost of living in Richmond affect the salary's value?
No, Richmond's Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average, so the $88,970 salary has equivalent purchasing power.
How many Life, Physical, and Social Science professionals work in Richmond?
There are approximately 6,680 individuals employed in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Richmond, VA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 6,680 employees in the Richmond, VA area with a job density of 10.233 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 Richmond, VA