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Average Physicists Salary in Virginia

Physicists in Virginia earn an impressive average annual salary of $163,990, which is notably below the national average of $177,260. This regional difference in compensation is often influenced by a combination of factors, including the specific industry demands, the concentration of research institutions, and the overall economic landscape within the state.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $163,990 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 36.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $245,985.
  • Outlook: Virginia's job market for physicists appears robust, evidenced by a local workforce of 1,260 individuals. The Location Quotient of 2.24 significantly exceeds the national average, indicating a higher concentration of physicists in Virginia relative to other professions. This suggests strong demand and a well-established presence for this scientific field within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$163,990

The average Physicists in Virginia earns-7.5%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$78.8

Weekly

$3,154

Monthly

$13,666

Physicists Salary Distribution in Virginia

The salary progression for physicists in Virginia typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions might start at a lower percentile, while senior physicists with extensive expertise and specialized skills can command salaries well into the higher percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify the career progression and increased earning potential as one advances in their professional journey.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$99,920$48
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$122,993$59.1
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$164,180$78.9
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$204,988$98.6
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$245,985$118.3

Detailed Physicists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$163,990

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$161,726

Adjusted for COL (101.4)

The average annual salary of $163,990 in Virginia presents a favorable financial standing when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 101.4. This index indicates that the cost of living is only slightly above the national average (100). Therefore, the nominal salary offers a strong purchasing power, suggesting that physicists can maintain a comfortable lifestyle in Virginia.

Job Market Context

1,260

Total Jobs

0.309

Per 1K Jobs

2.24

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Virginia has 2.2x 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.

With a Location Quotient of 2.24, Virginia demonstrates a significantly higher concentration of physicists compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market for physicists in Virginia is relatively abundant and potentially more competitive, attracting a larger pool of talent and indicating a strong presence of related industries or research facilities.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Physicists

CitySalaryDist.
Charlottesville, VA Physicists Salary$163,800↓ 0%25 mi
Richmond, VA Physicists Salary$193,730↑ 18%41 mi

Comparing salaries near Virginia

Hiring Physicistss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Physicists make in Virginia?

The median annual salary for a Physicists in Virginia is $163,990. This typically ranges from $99,920 for entry-level positions to $245,985 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Virginia is 7.5% lower than the national median of $177,260.

Is Virginia a lucrative place for Physicists?

Yes, Virginia offers a lucrative environment for Physicists.The state boasts a high concentration of physicists (LQ of 2.24) and a strong average salary of $163,990, which holds good purchasing power given the slightly above-average cost of living.

Is Virginia a good place to live for Physicists?

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 ($163,800) and Richmond, VA.

How does Virginia's physicist salary compare to the national average?

Physicists in Virginia earn an average of $163,990 annually, which is approximately $13,270 less than the national average of $177,260.

What is the concentration of physicists in Virginia?

Virginia has a high concentration of physicists, with a Location Quotient of 2.24, meaning there are more than double the expected number of physicists compared to the national average.

How does the cost of living affect a physicist's salary in Virginia?

With a Cost of Living Index of 101.4, Virginia is only slightly more expensive than the national average. This means the $163,990 salary provides good real value and purchasing power for physicists.

What is the total number of physicists employed in Virginia?

There are approximately 1,260 physicists employed within the state of Virginia.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,260 employees in the Virginia area with a job density of 0.309 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Physicists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Virginia