In the Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations earn an average annual salary of $77,920. This figure is notably below the national average of $91,840, a difference often attributed to regional economic factors and industry concentration within the area. The specific economic landscape and demand for these specialized roles in this particular region shape the compensation offered.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $77,920 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $113,030.
- Outlook: The job market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in the Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area, with a total local workforce of 790, indicates a niche presence. The Location Quotient of 0.72 suggests that these occupations are less concentrated here compared to the national average, implying a potentially less robust or specialized demand within this specific geographic segment.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area earns-15.2%below the national average.
$37.5
$1,498
$6,493
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in the Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This upward trajectory is typical as demand evolves and the value of specialized scientific expertise is increasingly recognized.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Career progression within Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations typically sees a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start at a lower percentile, but as professionals gain expertise, develop specialized skills, and take on more complex responsibilities, their earning potential escalates considerably, with senior roles commanding substantially higher compensation, reflecting the value of accumulated knowledge and leadership.
| 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) | $58,440 | $28.1 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $68,430 | $32.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $97,400 | $46.8 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $113,030 | $54.3 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$77,920
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$77,920
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $77,920 in the Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely 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 this income is equivalent to the national standard, making the region's cost of living a neutral factor in assessing the real value of the salary.
Job Market Context
790
Total Jobs
6.74
Per 1K Jobs
0.72
Location Quotient
Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area has 0.72x 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 0.72, the Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area exhibits a lower concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market in this region may be less saturated with these specialized professionals, potentially offering unique opportunities for those with relevant skills, though it also indicates a smaller overall demand 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↑ 14% | 41 mi |
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $76,990↓ 1% | 56 mi |
| Harrisonburg, VA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $76,720↓ 2% | 60 mi |
| Lynchburg, VA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $90,330↑ 16% | 61 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest 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 Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is $77,920. This typically ranges from $39,560 for entry-level positions to $113,030 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 15.2% lower than the national median of $91,840.
Is Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
No, it is not as lucrative as the national average.The average salary of $77,920 is significantly lower than the national average of $91,840, despite a national average cost of living. The lower concentration (LQ of 0.72) also suggests less robust market demand compared to national benchmarks.
Is Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlottesville, VA ($79,120) and Richmond, VA.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 6.74 jobs per 1,000 workers, the Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area has a lower density of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations compared to the national average, indicating a smaller presence in the overall employment landscape.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) being 0.72?
An LQ of 0.72 means that Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations are 28% less concentrated in the Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area than the national average. This suggests a smaller, more specialized job market for these roles in the region.
How does the total local workforce size impact job prospects?
A total local workforce of 790 for these occupations indicates a relatively small labor pool. While this could mean less competition, it also suggests a limited number of available positions within the Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area.
Does the national average cost of living mean salaries stretch further in Southwest Virginia?
Yes, since the Cost of Living Index is 100 (national average), the $77,920 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary in a higher cost-of-living area. This means your money goes just as far in terms of essential expenses.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 790 employees in the Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 6.74 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 Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area