Average Physicists Salary in Northeast Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Physicists in the Northeast Virginia nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $131,940. This figure is notably below the national average of $177,260, suggesting that specialized demand or local economic factors may influence compensation in this region. The unique industrial landscape and research focus of nonmetropolitan areas often shape salary benchmarks differently than urban centers.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $131,940 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $186,140.
- Outlook: The job market for Physicists in the Northeast Virginia nonmetropolitan area, while modest in size with a total workforce of 260, shows a significant concentration indicated by a Location Quotient of 33.25. This high concentration suggests a specialized demand for physicists within this specific geographic area, potentially offering stable employment opportunities for those with relevant expertise, despite the smaller overall workforce size.
Salary Overview
The average Physicists in Northeast Virginia nonmetropolitan area earns-25.6%below the national average.
$63.4
$2,537
$10,995
Physicists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this nonmetropolitan region is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Physicists nationwide have experienced steady growth over the past four years, driven by advancements in technology and increasing demand across various sectors. This trend likely extends to the Northeast Virginia nonmetropolitan area, though the rate of increase may be influenced by local economic conditions and the specific industries present.
Physicists Salary Distribution in Northeast Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Physicists typically scales with experience, with entry-level positions commanding lower salaries and senior roles, often requiring advanced degrees and extensive research or practical application experience, earning significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary data, from the lower end for junior physicists to the upper percentiles for seasoned professionals, clearly signify the career progression and increased earning potential associated with accumulating expertise and a proven track record in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $86,960 | $41.8 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $98,955 | $47.6 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $131,750 | $63.3 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $164,925 | $79.3 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $186,140 | $89.5 |
Detailed Physicists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$131,940
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$131,940
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $131,940 in the Northeast Virginia nonmetropolitan area 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 for physicists, the purchasing power of this income is equivalent to the national average, making it a financially stable, albeit not exceptionally high-paying, location for the profession.
Job Market Context
260
Total Jobs
4.601
Per 1K Jobs
33.25
Location Quotient
Northeast Virginia nonmetropolitan area has 33.3x the national concentration of Physicists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 33.25 for Physicists in the Northeast Virginia nonmetropolitan area indicates an exceptionally high concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests a very specialized and potentially niche job market where demand might be concentrated within a few key institutions or industries, making it a highly competitive environment for new entrants but potentially rewarding for those already established in the region.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physicists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville, VA Physicists Salary | $163,800↑ 24% | 25 mi |
| Richmond, VA Physicists Salary | $193,730↑ 47% | 41 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northeast Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Physicistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physicists make in Northeast Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Physicists in Northeast Virginia nonmetropolitan area is $131,940. This typically ranges from $86,960 for entry-level positions to $186,140 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northeast Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 25.6% lower than the national median of $177,260.
Is Northeast Virginia nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Physicists?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the average salary of $131,940 is substantial, it falls below the national average of $177,260, indicating less lucrative compensation. However, the cost of living being at the national average means the salary's purchasing power is equivalent nationally.
Is Northeast Virginia nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Physicists?
The Cost of Living Index in Northeast Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northeast Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlottesville, VA ($163,800) and Richmond, VA.
What is the concentration of Physicists in Northeast Virginia nonmetropolitan areas?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 33.25, which is significantly higher than the national average of 1.0, indicating a substantial presence of physicists relative to the general workforce.
How does the local salary compare to the national average for Physicists?
The average local salary of $131,940 is considerably lower than the national average of $177,260.
What is the Cost of Living in Northeast Virginia nonmetropolitan areas?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of goods and services is neither higher nor lower than the typical US location.
How many Physicists work in this region?
There are approximately 260 Physicists employed in the Northeast Virginia nonmetropolitan area, representing 4.601 jobs per 1,000 workers in the region.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 260 employees in the Northeast Virginia nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 4.601 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Physicists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Northeast Virginia nonmetropolitan area