Average Physical Scientists, All Other Salary in Virginia
Physical Scientists, All Other in Virginia command an impressive average annual salary of $132,380, slightly below the national average of $138,050. This competitive compensation reflects the specialized skills and the demand for scientific expertise within the state's dynamic economic landscape, which often includes government, research, and technology sectors.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $132,380 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 1.2% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $194,500.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,560 individuals in this specialized field, Virginia demonstrates a significant concentration of Physical Scientists, All Other, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 2.63. This suggests a robust and established market for these professionals, implying a healthy demand that supports the current employment levels and offers a stable outlook for those in the profession.
Salary Overview
The average Physical Scientists, All Other in Virginia earns-4.1%below the national average.
$63.7
$2,546
$11,032
Physical Scientists, All Other Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that the average salary for Physical Scientists, All Other in Virginia has experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for specialized scientific roles, and advancements in technology that necessitate new areas of scientific inquiry and application.
Physical Scientists, All Other Salary Distribution in Virginia
The salary spectrum for Physical Scientists, All Other in Virginia widens considerably with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, but as professionals gain expertise, hone their research skills, and take on more complex projects, their earning potential escalates significantly. The gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries represents clear career progression and the increasing value of seasoned scientific talent.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $61,990 | $29.8 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $99,285 | $47.7 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $128,040 | $61.6 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $165,475 | $79.6 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $194,500 | $93.5 |
Detailed Physical Scientists, All Other Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$132,380
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$130,552
Adjusted for COL (101.4)
Virginia's Cost of Living Index stands at 101.4, just slightly above the national average. This means that the nominal salary of $132,380 offers a purchasing power that is very close to the national average. While slightly higher living expenses exist, the strong salary ensures that the take-home pay remains competitive and allows for a comfortable standard of living for Physical Scientists in the state.
Job Market Context
1,560
Total Jobs
0.385
Per 1K Jobs
2.63
Location Quotient
Virginia has 2.6x the national concentration of Physical Scientists, All Other jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
A Location Quotient of 2.63 signifies that Physical Scientists, All Other are more than twice as concentrated in Virginia compared to the national average. This high concentration indicates a specialized and potentially thriving job market, suggesting that Virginia is a key hub for this profession, offering ample opportunities and a competitive environment for skilled scientists.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physical Scientists, All Other
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville, VA Physical Scientists, All Other Salary | $135,650↑ 2% | 25 mi |
Comparing salaries near Virginia
Hiring Physical Scientists, All Others?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physical Scientists, All Other make in Virginia?
The median annual salary for a Physical Scientists, All Other in Virginia is $132,380. This typically ranges from $61,990 for entry-level positions to $194,500 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Virginia is 4.1% lower than the national median of $138,050.
Is Virginia a lucrative place for Physical Scientists, All Other?
Yes, Virginia offers a lucrative environment for Physical Scientists, All Other.The state boasts a high concentration of these professionals and an average salary that, while slightly below the national average, is still substantial and competitive, especially considering the cost of living is only marginally higher.
Is Virginia a good place to live for Physical Scientists, All Others?
The Cost of Living Index in Virginia is 101.4. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Virginia?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlottesville, VA ($135,650) and others.
How does Virginia's salary for Physical Scientists compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Physical Scientists, All Other in Virginia is $132,380, which is slightly lower than the national average of $138,050.
What is the concentration of Physical Scientists, All Other in Virginia?
Virginia has a high concentration of Physical Scientists, All Other, with a Location Quotient of 2.63, indicating they are more than twice as prevalent as the national average.
How does the cost of living in Virginia affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 101.4, Virginia's living expenses are only slightly above the national average, meaning the $132,380 salary provides a strong purchasing power comparable to the national average.
What does the workforce size suggest about job opportunities?
A local workforce of 1,560 Physical Scientists, All Other suggests a significant and established presence in the state, implying a stable job market with ongoing demand for these specialized roles.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,560 employees in the Virginia area with a job density of 0.385 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Physical Scientists, All Other • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Virginia