Average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary in Roanoke, VA
In Roanoke, VA, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $88,150. This figure is slightly below the national average of $91,840, a common occurrence in regions with a lower cost of living. Local economic factors and industry demand within Roanoke contribute to this specific compensation landscape.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $88,150 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $130,270.
- Outlook: The job market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Roanoke, VA, is moderately concentrated, with a Location Quotient of 0.75, indicating a presence that is slightly less than the national average. The total local workforce of 1,060 individuals suggests a stable, albeit not expansive, demand for these specialized roles. While not a major hub, the consistent employment numbers point to a resilient sector within the Roanoke economy.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Roanoke, VA earns-4.0%below the national average.
$42.4
$1,695
$7,346
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Roanoke's Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national economic growth and increasing demand for scientific expertise. This growth is typically driven by advancements in research, healthcare, and environmental science, leading to higher compensation for skilled professionals.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in Roanoke, VA
Salaries for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Roanoke, VA, naturally scale with experience. Entry-level positions typically fall within the lower percentiles, while senior scientists and researchers command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career progression pathways and the increasing value placed on specialized knowledge and proven track records within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $44,080 | $21.2 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $66,113 | $31.8 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $73,520 | $35.3 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $110,188 | $53 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $130,270 | $62.6 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$88,150
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$88,150
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $88,150 in Roanoke, VA, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary in Roanoke is equivalent to the national average. While the salary is slightly lower than the national average for the profession, the stable cost of living ensures that the take-home pay maintains a comparable standard of living.
Job Market Context
1,060
Total Jobs
6.993
Per 1K Jobs
0.75
Location Quotient
Roanoke, VA has 0.75x 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 0.75, the market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Roanoke, VA, is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while opportunities exist, the field is not as saturated as in larger metropolitan areas. Professionals may find a more specialized niche, potentially leading to less direct competition for roles, but also indicating a smaller overall job pool compared to national benchmarks.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $71,360↓ 19% | 26 mi |
| Lynchburg, VA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $90,330↑ 2% | 43 mi |
| Beckley, WV Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $70,750↓ 20% | 76 mi |
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $76,990↓ 13% | 78 mi |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $77,330↓ 12% | 82 mi |
Comparing salaries near Roanoke, VA
Hiring Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in Roanoke, VA?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Roanoke, VA is $88,150. This typically ranges from $44,080 for entry-level positions to $130,270 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Roanoke, VA is 4.0% lower than the national median of $91,840.
Is Roanoke, VA a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $88,150 is slightly below the national average, though the cost of living is also at the national average. This indicates comparable purchasing power but not a higher earning potential.
Is Roanoke, VA a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Roanoke, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Roanoke, VA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA ($71,360) and Lynchburg, VA.
How does Roanoke's cost of living compare to the national average?
Roanoke, VA, has a cost of living index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the general expenses for housing, utilities, groceries, and transportation are comparable to the U.S. average.
What is the concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science jobs in Roanoke?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.75. This signifies that these occupations are present in Roanoke at a rate 25% lower than the national average, suggesting a less dense market.
How many Life, Physical, and Social Science jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Roanoke?
There are approximately 6.993 jobs per 1,000 workers in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Roanoke, VA. This metric helps contextualize the prevalence of these roles within the local workforce.
Is the job market for these science roles growing in Roanoke?
While specific growth rates aren't provided, the stable workforce size and moderate concentration suggest a consistent, rather than rapidly expanding, job market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Roanoke.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,060 employees in the Roanoke, VA area with a job density of 6.993 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 Roanoke, VA