Average Software Developers Salary in Virginia
Software Developers in Virginia earn an impressive average annual salary of $142,230, slightly below the national average of $145,320. This marginal difference is often influenced by Virginia's robust technology sector, significant government contracting presence, and a highly skilled workforce, which collectively shape compensation benchmarks.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $142,230 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $208,480.
- Outlook: Virginia boasts a substantial workforce of 83,290 Software Developers, indicating a significant presence in the state's economy. The Location Quotient of 1.91 signifies that this profession is more concentrated in Virginia than the national average, suggesting a strong and potentially growing demand for these skilled professionals within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Software Developers in Virginia earns-2.1%below the national average.
$68.4
$2,735
$11,853
Software Developers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Software Developers in Virginia have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing demand for specialized skills, technological advancements, and a competitive job market likely contribute to upward salary adjustments.
Software Developers Salary Distribution in Virginia
Salary progression for Software Developers in Virginia typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start considerably lower, while senior developers with specialized expertise and a proven track record can command salaries well above the average. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries reflects the value placed on experience and advanced skill sets in the Virginia tech landscape.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $82,560 | $39.7 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $106,673 | $51.3 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $134,470 | $64.6 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $177,788 | $85.5 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $208,480 | $100.2 |
Detailed Software Developers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$142,230
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$140,266
Adjusted for COL (101.4)
The average annual salary of $142,230 in Virginia presents a strong financial standing, especially considering the Cost of Living Index is only slightly above the national average at 101.4. This means that the nominal salary offers a purchasing power very close to, if not slightly better than, the national average, making Virginia an attractive location from a financial perspective.
Job Market Context
83,290
Total Jobs
20.492
Per 1K Jobs
1.91
Location Quotient
Virginia has 1.9x the national concentration of Software Developers 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 1.91, Virginia's market for Software Developers is notably concentrated, indicating a demand that is nearly double the national average relative to its workforce size. This suggests a competitive environment where employers actively seek talent, potentially leading to better negotiation power for skilled developers and a dynamic job market.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Software Developers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville, VA Software Developers Salary | $129,690↓ 9% | 25 mi |
| Richmond, VA Software Developers Salary | $131,430↓ 8% | 41 mi |
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA Software Developers Salary | $115,170↓ 19% | 56 mi |
| Harrisonburg, VA Software Developers Salary | $109,900↓ 23% | 60 mi |
| Lynchburg, VA Software Developers Salary | $112,680↓ 21% | 61 mi |
Comparing salaries near Virginia
Hiring Software Developerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Software Developers make in Virginia?
The median annual salary for a Software Developers in Virginia is $142,230. This typically ranges from $82,560 for entry-level positions to $208,480 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Virginia is 2.1% lower than the national median of $145,320.
Is Virginia a lucrative place for Software Developers?
Yes, Virginia offers a lucrative environment for Software Developers.The state's average salary of $142,230 is competitive, and a strong concentration of tech jobs (LQ of 1.91) indicates high demand and potential for excellent compensation.
Is Virginia a good place to live for Software Developers?
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 ($129,690) and Richmond, VA.
How does Virginia's Software Developer salary compare to the national average?
Software Developers in Virginia earn an average of $142,230 annually, which is slightly below the national average of $145,320, but still represents a very competitive salary.
What is the significance of Virginia's Location Quotient for Software Developers?
A Location Quotient of 1.91 means that Software Developer jobs are nearly twice as concentrated in Virginia compared to the national average, indicating a robust and high-demand job market for these professionals.
How does the cost of living in Virginia affect a Software Developer's salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 101.4, Virginia is only slightly more expensive than the national average. This means the $142,230 salary provides strong purchasing power, making it financially advantageous.
What is the total number of Software Developers in Virginia?
Virginia is home to a significant workforce of 83,290 Software Developers, highlighting the state's importance in the technology sector.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 83,290 employees in the Virginia area with a job density of 20.492 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Software Developers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Virginia