Virginia salaries by occupation
The median worker in Virginia earned $53,020 a year in 2024, about $25.49 an hour, 7.1% above the national median of $49,500. The state reports wages for 670 occupations.
Median pay $53,020 $25.49 per hour
Vs national median +7.1% U.S. $49,500
Workers 4,064,640 wage and salary
Occupations reported 670 with at least 100 employed
What Virginia is unusually full of
Location quotient measures how concentrated an occupation is here against the country as a whole. A value of 3 means the state employs three times the national share of those workers. It describes a labour market far better than a list of the biggest employers, which in every state is dominated by retail and food service.
| Occupation | Concentration | Employed | Median pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ship Engineers | 6.05× | 1,370 | $81,970 |
| Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic | 5.36× | 790 | $72,780 |
| Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other | 4.5× | 4,390 | $144,320 |
| Information Security Analysts | 3.95× | 18,670 | $132,460 |
| Telemarketers | 3.93× | 6,880 | $36,380 |
| Legal Support Workers, All Other | 3.39× | 4,230 | $176,950 |
| Shampooers | 3.37× | 790 | $26,910 |
| Nuclear Engineers | 3.35× | 1,300 | $108,740 |
| Riggers | 3.18× | 2,030 | $62,140 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | 3.1× | 3,150 | $153,340 |
Metro areas in Virginia
Pay varies more between cities than between states, and a statewide median averages over that. These are the 11 Virginia metropolitan areas the survey covers.
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Workers | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria | $68,430 | $32.90 | 3,118,630 | #3 |
| Charlottesville | $51,740 | $24.88 | 112,830 | #54 |
| Richmond | $50,020 | $24.05 | 652,900 | #76 |
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk | $48,430 | $23.28 | 754,860 | #121 |
| Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford | $47,700 | $22.94 | 74,400 | #153 |
| Winchester | $47,310 | $22.75 | 68,300 | #174 |
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft | $46,140 | $22.18 | 50,510 | #214 |
| Roanoke | $46,010 | $22.12 | 152,120 | #218 |
| Harrisonburg | $45,610 | $21.93 | 65,270 | #237 |
| Lynchburg | $45,440 | $21.85 | 97,210 | #243 |
| Kingsport-Bristol | $43,800 | $21.06 | 117,550 | #299 |
Highest paying occupations
| Occupation | Median | Hourly | Employed | Rank of states |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family Medicine Physicians | $219,500 | $105.53 | 3,480 | #15 of 23 |
| Nurse Anesthetists | $199,960 | $96.14 | 980 | #20 of 25 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $192,870 | $92.73 | 18,740 | #6 of 49 |
| Pediatricians, General | $189,070 | $90.90 | 1,220 | #27 of 37 |
| Air Traffic Controllers | $185,890 | $89.37 | 1,130 | #1 of 36 |
| Dentists, General | $182,570 | $87.77 | 3,890 | #15 of 46 |
| Marketing Managers | $177,250 | $85.22 | 7,170 | #3 of 47 |
| Legal Support Workers, All Other | $176,950 | $85.07 | 4,230 | #1 of 37 |
| Compensation and Benefits Managers | $171,300 | $82.36 | 480 | #5 of 33 |
| Sales Managers | $170,970 | $82.20 | 9,520 | #5 of 50 |
| Financial Managers | $170,290 | $81.87 | 20,590 | #9 of 51 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $168,780 | $81.14 | 4,070 | #15 of 49 |
Where most people work
| Occupation | Employed | Median | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 103,390 | $29,060 | $13.97 |
| Retail Salespersons | 101,260 | $32,760 | $15.75 |
| General and Operations Managers | 99,710 | $121,530 | $58.43 |
| Cashiers | 84,500 | $29,840 | $14.35 |
| Software Developers | 83,290 | $134,470 | $64.65 |
| Registered Nurses | 77,420 | $88,820 | $42.70 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | 68,080 | $36,230 | $17.42 |
| Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | 64,720 | $33,970 | $16.33 |
| Management Analysts | 64,710 | $109,650 | $52.71 |
| Office Clerks, General | 62,540 | $45,130 | $21.70 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024 state estimates. Wage and salary workers only, excluding the self-employed.
Every occupation reported in Virginia
Grouped by field. Each links to a comparison of that job across all states.
Production 86
- Power Distributors and Dispatchers $100,830
- Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers $80,650
- Power Plant Operators $78,460
- Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic $72,780
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers $72,330
- Tire Builders $66,530
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers $65,390
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators $64,970
- Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders $64,510
- Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers $60,940
- Machinists $60,920
- Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers $60,850
- Tool and Die Makers $60,800
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators $58,920
- Plant and System Operators, All Other $57,740
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers $57,350
- Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders $57,250
- Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders $55,900
- Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $53,050
- Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters $51,640
- Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $50,270
- Medical Appliance Technicians $50,240
- Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $50,060
- Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $49,650
- Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $49,110
- Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $48,980
- Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $48,680
- Dental Laboratory Technicians $48,510
- Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $48,260
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers $47,980
- Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders $47,900
- Prepress Technicians and Workers $47,730
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators $47,570
- Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $47,310
- Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $47,260
- Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators $46,990
- Foundry Mold and Coremakers $46,850
- Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $46,380
- Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $46,300
- Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders $46,230
- Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers $46,190
- Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders $46,120
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $45,850
- Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $45,620
- Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $45,330
- Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters $45,260
- Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $44,080
- Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other $43,910
- Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders $43,690
- Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $43,680
- Print Binding and Finishing Workers $43,630
- Printing Press Operators $42,790
- Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers $41,360
- Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic $41,280
- Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $40,690
- Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators $40,450
- Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $40,280
- Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers $39,760
- Food Batchmakers $39,660
- Upholsterers $39,310
- Butchers and Meat Cutters $39,170
- Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand $38,920
- Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers $38,630
- Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $38,570
- Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders $38,460
- Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians $38,080
- Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $37,940
- Etchers and Engravers $37,820
- Textile, Apparel, and Furnishings Workers, All Other $37,450
- Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing $37,030
- Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders $36,860
- Food Processing Workers, All Other $36,810
- Furniture Finishers $36,710
- Slaughterers and Meat Packers $36,490
- Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators $36,430
- Helpers--Production Workers $36,380
- Production Workers, All Other $36,150
- Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood $35,730
- Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers $35,420
- Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers $35,110
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers $34,890
- Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners $34,310
- Sewing Machine Operators $33,280
- Bakers $32,970
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers $30,920
- Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials $28,790
Education and library 61
- Economics Teachers, Postsecondary $127,420
- Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary $126,940
- Law Teachers, Postsecondary $125,670
- Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary $124,850
- Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $108,260
- Business Teachers, Postsecondary $103,270
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $102,600
- Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary $101,660
- Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary $101,420
- Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $101,080
- Physics Teachers, Postsecondary $100,440
- Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary $99,980
- Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary $97,970
- Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $83,600
- Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary $83,570
- History Teachers, Postsecondary $82,930
- Teachers and Instructors, All Other $81,970
- Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary $80,750
- Instructional Coordinators $80,620
- Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary $80,460
- Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary $79,530
- Education Teachers, Postsecondary $79,280
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary $78,850
- Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary $78,780
- Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary $77,980
- Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary $74,940
- Librarians and Media Collections Specialists $74,320
- English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $74,310
- Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary $74,200
- Special Education Teachers, All Other $72,820
- Communications Teachers, Postsecondary $72,340
- Archivists $72,220
- Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary $68,420
- Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $68,050
- Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $67,950
- Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary $65,480
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School $65,460
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School $65,000
- Special Education Teachers, Preschool $64,860
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School $64,640
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $63,760
- Special Education Teachers, Middle School $63,730
- Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $63,450
- Farm and Home Management Educators $62,960
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School $62,410
- Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors $62,400
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education $62,350
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education $62,270
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $60,930
- Curators $60,020
- Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary $57,930
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary $56,140
- Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other $52,110
- Self-Enrichment Teachers $50,990
- Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary $49,420
- Tutors $49,380
- Museum Technicians and Conservators $48,640
- Library Technicians $45,140
- Substitute Teachers, Short-Term $37,630
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education $37,320
- Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary $36,650
Healthcare practitioners 49
- Family Medicine Physicians $219,500
- Nurse Anesthetists $199,960
- Pediatricians, General $189,070
- Dentists, General $182,570
- Medical Dosimetrists $146,960
- Podiatrists $139,770
- Pharmacists $137,470
- Physician Assistants $135,490
- Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other $128,940
- Nurse Practitioners $124,210
- Veterinarians $124,110
- Genetic Counselors $106,060
- Radiation Therapists $102,680
- Physical Therapists $100,710
- Occupational Therapists $100,540
- Dental Hygienists $98,880
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists $96,820
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists $95,300
- Speech-Language Pathologists $94,370
- Chiropractors $94,140
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers $89,430
- Registered Nurses $88,820
- Audiologists $85,590
- Orthotists and Prosthetists $79,970
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians $79,670
- Respiratory Therapists $79,600
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians $78,720
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other $76,450
- Dietitians and Nutritionists $75,210
- Hearing Aid Specialists $71,450
- Surgical Technologists $63,460
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $62,310
- Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians $60,720
- Exercise Physiologists $59,390
- Paramedics $58,570
- Surgical Assistants $58,490
- Athletic Trainers $58,200
- Therapists, All Other $58,070
- Recreational Therapists $57,330
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians $55,790
- Opticians, Dispensing $54,320
- Medical Records Specialists $51,780
- Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars $50,010
- Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other $48,380
- Psychiatric Technicians $46,040
- Emergency Medical Technicians $45,060
- Pharmacy Technicians $42,490
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians $41,600
- Dietetic Technicians $38,540
Office and administrative support 47
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants $77,640
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers $65,670
- Postal Service Clerks $61,110
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks $60,440
- Postal Service Mail Carriers $58,390
- Brokerage Clerks $57,560
- Financial Clerks, All Other $56,590
- Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators $56,450
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks $55,240
- Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks $53,870
- Procurement Clerks $52,310
- Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping $51,100
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $51,010
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs $50,930
- Loan Interviewers and Clerks $50,910
- Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other $50,800
- Information and Record Clerks, All Other $50,690
- Cargo and Freight Agents $50,560
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping $50,480
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks $48,680
- Public Safety Telecommunicators $48,450
- Proofreaders and Copy Markers $47,430
- Billing and Posting Clerks $47,400
- Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance $46,890
- Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks $46,710
- Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks $46,440
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive $46,100
- Meter Readers, Utilities $45,370
- Office Clerks, General $45,130
- Bill and Account Collectors $44,710
- New Accounts Clerks $44,410
- File Clerks $44,290
- Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $44,260
- Tellers $43,340
- Court, Municipal, and License Clerks $42,620
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks $42,080
- Order Clerks $41,090
- Customer Service Representatives $39,210
- Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan $39,070
- Word Processors and Typists $39,020
- Couriers and Messengers $38,380
- Data Entry Keyers $38,130
- Office Machine Operators, Except Computer $37,260
- Library Assistants, Clerical $37,120
- Receptionists and Information Clerks $36,170
- Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service $34,260
- Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks $30,770
Installation, maintenance and repair 43
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay $93,660
- Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment $83,470
- Avionics Technicians $80,930
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians $80,770
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers $80,650
- Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers $80,090
- Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers $77,190
- Signal and Track Switch Repairers $75,840
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door $68,580
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment $68,270
- Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers, All Other $66,060
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers $65,750
- Medical Equipment Repairers $64,620
- Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers $64,400
- Maintenance Workers, Machinery $63,920
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics $62,940
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines $62,400
- Riggers $62,140
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers $60,630
- Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians $60,580
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers $60,200
- Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians $58,660
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists $58,530
- Home Appliance Repairers $58,240
- Locksmiths and Safe Repairers $57,990
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers $57,870
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics $56,320
- Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers $56,110
- Automotive Body and Related Repairers $55,870
- Millwrights $50,300
- Mechanical Door Repairers $49,420
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General $49,070
- Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians $48,640
- Motorcycle Mechanics $48,410
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other $47,850
- Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers $47,500
- Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers $45,880
- Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles $45,470
- Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners $45,050
- Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics $44,940
- Bicycle Repairers $38,190
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers $37,840
- Tire Repairers and Changers $35,810
Construction and extraction 41
- Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers $102,720
- Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining $77,440
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers $76,620
- Construction and Building Inspectors $69,960
- Continuous Mining Machine Operators $68,670
- Helpers--Extraction Workers $65,250
- Electricians $61,610
- Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas $61,290
- Boilermakers $60,440
- Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters $59,840
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $59,560
- Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers $58,750
- Sheet Metal Workers $58,490
- Glaziers $58,240
- Structural Iron and Steel Workers $58,170
- Stonemasons $58,040
- Insulation Workers, Mechanical $56,440
- Brickmasons and Blockmasons $55,630
- Plasterers and Stucco Masons $53,970
- Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining $53,770
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators $52,240
- Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers $51,760
- Carpenters $50,220
- Highway Maintenance Workers $49,360
- Roofers $48,920
- Miscellaneous Construction and Related Workers $48,740
- Pipelayers $48,540
- Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers $48,510
- Solar Photovoltaic Installers $48,280
- Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles $47,580
- Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators $46,850
- Hazardous Materials Removal Workers $46,050
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners $45,380
- Carpet Installers $45,300
- Painters, Construction and Maintenance $44,670
- Helpers--Carpenters $43,560
- Tile and Stone Setters $41,520
- Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters $40,350
- Construction Laborers $40,210
- Helpers--Electricians $38,780
- Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $38,750
Life, physical and social science 36
- Physicists $164,180
- Economists $148,010
- Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other $144,320
- Physical Scientists, All Other $128,040
- Psychologists, All Other $125,630
- Materials Scientists $118,820
- Atmospheric and Space Scientists $111,920
- Biochemists and Biophysicists $109,230
- Nuclear Technicians $106,270
- Chemists $99,810
- Life Scientists, All Other $96,970
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $95,080
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers $94,160
- Microbiologists $88,080
- Epidemiologists $84,490
- Biological Scientists, All Other $83,370
- Urban and Regional Planners $81,750
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $81,690
- School Psychologists $81,030
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $78,140
- Soil and Plant Scientists $71,030
- Foresters $69,250
- Conservation Scientists $67,200
- Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists $66,550
- Anthropologists and Archeologists $66,410
- Forensic Science Technicians $62,860
- Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other $61,470
- Occupational Health and Safety Technicians $59,340
- Food Science Technicians $59,110
- Survey Researchers $54,550
- Chemical Technicians $50,660
- Social Science Research Assistants $50,160
- Biological Technicians $49,250
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health $49,130
- Forest and Conservation Technicians $43,330
- Agricultural Technicians $38,100
Transport and material moving 35
- Air Traffic Controllers $185,890
- Commercial Pilots $115,490
- Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors $89,210
- Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels $82,470
- Ship Engineers $81,970
- Transportation Inspectors $73,070
- Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers $65,720
- Crane and Tower Operators $65,400
- Traffic Technicians $62,360
- Flight Attendants $62,280
- Locomotive Engineers $61,350
- First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors $60,210
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers $54,500
- Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity $51,140
- Bus Drivers, School $48,600
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators $48,380
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors $46,080
- Sailors and Marine Oilers $44,720
- Material Moving Workers, All Other $44,540
- Light Truck Drivers $43,200
- Airfield Operations Specialists $39,860
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand $39,240
- Conveyor Operators and Tenders $38,710
- Aircraft Service Attendants $38,330
- Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other $38,210
- Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs $37,350
- Machine Feeders and Offbearers $36,450
- Stockers and Order Fillers $36,230
- Driver/Sales Workers $36,040
- Packers and Packagers, Hand $35,590
- Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians $35,050
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment $34,900
- Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants $31,070
- Parking Attendants $30,660
- Taxi Drivers $28,400
Management 32
- Computer and Information Systems Managers $192,870
- Marketing Managers $177,250
- Compensation and Benefits Managers $171,300
- Sales Managers $170,970
- Financial Managers $170,290
- Architectural and Engineering Managers $168,780
- Managers, All Other $162,610
- Human Resources Managers $161,690
- Purchasing Managers $161,300
- Training and Development Managers $139,630
- Natural Sciences Managers $139,220
- Fundraising Managers $130,210
- Administrative Services Managers $125,830
- Medical and Health Services Managers $124,530
- Industrial Production Managers $123,060
- General and Operations Managers $121,530
- Facilities Managers $115,430
- Education Administrators, All Other $115,340
- Advertising and Promotions Managers $111,030
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers $107,050
- Construction Managers $107,000
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary $102,860
- Social and Community Service Managers $93,150
- Funeral Home Managers $92,320
- Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling $90,910
- Postmasters and Mail Superintendents $90,520
- Emergency Management Directors $85,690
- Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers $84,360
- Food Service Managers $67,910
- Personal Service Managers, All Other $65,020
- Lodging Managers $62,500
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare $59,420
Architecture and engineering 32
- Engineers, All Other $142,110
- Computer Hardware Engineers $139,570
- Chemical Engineers $132,550
- Aerospace Engineers $132,160
- Electrical Engineers $122,320
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer $120,050
- Nuclear Engineers $108,740
- Materials Engineers $106,290
- Environmental Engineers $103,480
- Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers $103,170
- Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors $101,680
- Industrial Engineers $99,990
- Mechanical Engineers $99,350
- Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers $98,690
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval $97,140
- Civil Engineers $96,210
- Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other $95,640
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians $84,530
- Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians $83,060
- Landscape Architects $81,440
- Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians $80,120
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists $77,930
- Surveyors $73,380
- Calibration Technologists and Technicians $70,730
- Electrical and Electronics Drafters $70,180
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians $65,480
- Mechanical Drafters $64,820
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians $64,170
- Architectural and Civil Drafters $64,100
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians $63,860
- Drafters, All Other $61,120
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians $49,040
Arts, design, entertainment and media 31
- Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All Other $114,630
- Artists and Related Workers, All Other $107,580
- Art Directors $95,680
- Technical Writers $84,000
- Designers, All Other $81,380
- Writers and Authors $80,990
- Special Effects Artists and Animators $79,100
- Editors $79,080
- Commercial and Industrial Designers $78,190
- Public Relations Specialists $77,800
- Interpreters and Translators $74,250
- Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film $71,760
- Producers and Directors $70,310
- Graphic Designers $70,060
- Interior Designers $66,450
- News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists $63,360
- Set and Exhibit Designers $51,120
- Audio and Video Technicians $50,990
- Music Directors and Composers $49,670
- Media and Communication Workers, All Other $48,320
- Sound Engineering Technicians $47,580
- Broadcast Technicians $46,470
- Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys $46,280
- Coaches and Scouts $45,390
- Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials $43,940
- Photographers $43,180
- Floral Designers $35,710
- Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $35,670
- Actors not reported
- Musicians and Singers not reported
- Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other not reported
Business and financial 30
- Project Management Specialists $114,990
- Financial Risk Specialists $113,260
- Management Analysts $109,650
- Budget Analysts $108,740
- Financial and Investment Analysts $104,030
- Personal Financial Advisors $99,990
- Logisticians $98,620
- Credit Analysts $97,590
- Labor Relations Specialists $92,410
- Financial Examiners $89,950
- Business Operations Specialists, All Other $85,800
- Financial Specialists, All Other $85,670
- Buyers and Purchasing Agents $84,520
- Accountants and Auditors $84,190
- Compliance Officers $80,990
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists $79,840
- Loan Officers $79,600
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists $79,240
- Human Resources Specialists $78,580
- Insurance Underwriters $77,110
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators $77,000
- Training and Development Specialists $76,250
- Cost Estimators $75,970
- Property Appraisers and Assessors $73,050
- Fundraisers $67,010
- Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners $60,480
- Tax Preparers $59,220
- Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents $56,460
- Credit Counselors $51,330
- Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes $47,950
Protective service 21
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators $110,220
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives $102,040
- First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers $98,940
- First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other $72,840
- First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers $72,600
- Fire Inspectors and Investigators $69,140
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers $65,110
- Transportation Security Screeners $64,850
- First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers $64,830
- Fish and Game Wardens $60,000
- Bailiffs $59,480
- Firefighters $58,300
- Correctional Officers and Jailers $49,980
- Animal Control Workers $48,850
- Private Detectives and Investigators $48,740
- Parking Enforcement Workers $46,920
- Security Guards $43,440
- Crossing Guards and Flaggers $37,360
- School Bus Monitors $33,410
- Protective Service Workers, All Other $32,080
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers $31,610
Personal care and service 20
- Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers $60,360
- First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers $46,430
- First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services $46,360
- Residential Advisors $41,360
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $38,660
- Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants $37,990
- Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $37,850
- Manicurists and Pedicurists $36,970
- Baggage Porters and Bellhops $36,270
- Concierges $36,260
- Skincare Specialists $35,860
- Recreation Workers $35,260
- Funeral Attendants $34,400
- Tour and Travel Guides $33,790
- Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other $32,960
- Animal Caretakers $30,830
- Childcare Workers $30,150
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants $28,930
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers $27,680
- Shampooers $26,910
Sales 19
- Sales Engineers $135,080
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products $112,190
- First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers $97,290
- Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel $69,870
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents $66,960
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products $62,470
- Real Estate Sales Agents $61,790
- Insurance Sales Agents $59,570
- Real Estate Brokers $55,660
- Advertising Sales Agents $52,210
- Sales and Related Workers, All Other $48,710
- First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers $47,980
- Counter and Rental Clerks $42,250
- Demonstrators and Product Promoters $38,410
- Travel Agents $37,860
- Parts Salespersons $37,140
- Telemarketers $36,380
- Retail Salespersons $32,760
- Cashiers $29,840
Computing and mathematics 18
- Computer and Information Research Scientists $153,340
- Computer Network Architects $148,080
- Actuaries $135,880
- Software Developers $134,470
- Computer Occupations, All Other $132,810
- Information Security Analysts $132,460
- Data Scientists $126,070
- Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers $123,270
- Operations Research Analysts $123,050
- Computer Systems Analysts $113,500
- Computer Programmers $111,860
- Web Developers $110,830
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators $106,610
- Database Administrators $105,000
- Statisticians $101,900
- Computer Network Support Specialists $79,370
- Web and Digital Interface Designers $66,240
- Computer User Support Specialists $63,420
Community and social service 16
- Counselors, All Other $105,140
- Social Workers, All Other $86,690
- Marriage and Family Therapists $80,670
- Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other $70,300
- Health Education Specialists $68,180
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors $67,350
- Healthcare Social Workers $64,200
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers $63,530
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers $60,280
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors $58,410
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists $57,010
- Clergy $56,170
- Community Health Workers $51,990
- Religious Workers, All Other $48,250
- Rehabilitation Counselors $46,540
- Social and Human Service Assistants $43,190
Healthcare support 16
- Physical Therapist Assistants $73,900
- Occupational Therapy Assistants $73,870
- Massage Therapists $56,850
- Dental Assistants $46,910
- Phlebotomists $45,720
- Healthcare Support Workers, All Other $45,310
- Medical Equipment Preparers $44,760
- Medical Assistants $42,310
- Nursing Assistants $38,790
- Medical Transcriptionists $37,120
- Orderlies $36,740
- Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers $36,500
- Psychiatric Aides $36,170
- Pharmacy Aides $35,840
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides $29,190
- Physical Therapist Aides $28,840
Food preparation and serving 14
- Chefs and Head Cooks $59,780
- Bartenders $46,860
- First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $45,440
- Waiters and Waitresses $36,990
- Cooks, Restaurant $36,580
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $36,260
- Cooks, All Other $33,930
- Food Servers, Nonrestaurant $33,920
- Dishwashers $31,950
- Food Preparation Workers $31,500
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers $31,300
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop $30,100
- Fast Food and Counter Workers $29,060
- Cooks, Fast Food $28,660
Building and grounds maintenance 10
- First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers $55,430
- Tree Trimmers and Pruners $49,090
- Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation $48,400
- First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers $48,060
- Building Cleaning Workers, All Other $44,560
- Pest Control Workers $44,180
- Grounds Maintenance Workers, All Other $39,530
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers $37,580
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $33,970
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $32,620
Farming, fishing and forestry 8
- First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers $59,310
- Agricultural Inspectors $52,950
- Fallers $47,070
- Logging Equipment Operators $46,170
- Agricultural Equipment Operators $45,740
- Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products $37,450
- Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals $37,340
- Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse $36,750
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary in Virginia?
The median across all occupations is $53,020 a year, or $25.49 an hour, covering 4,064,640 wage and salary workers. Median rather than mean, because a handful of very high earners pull an average upward and describe nobody.
Which jobs pay the most in Virginia?
Family Medicine Physicians ($219,500), Nurse Anesthetists ($199,960), Computer and Information Systems Managers ($192,870) lead the table. Medical specialities dominate the top of almost every state list, which says more about how the occupation is classified than about local conditions.
What does Virginia employ the most people in?
Fast Food and Counter Workers, with 103,390 employed at a median of $29,060. The largest occupations in any state are usually retail, food service, transport and administrative roles.
Does a higher salary here mean more money in practice?
Not necessarily. Wages and living costs move together. Virginia electricity averages 17.61¢ per kilowatt-hour against a national 16.44¢ in Texas as one comparison, and housing costs vary far more than that. Read a salary figure alongside what it costs to live where it is earned.