📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Computer Research Scientist Salary in Virginia (2026)

Virginia · 10.0% above national average · Very High Demand

Average
$159,588
per year
Median
$150,282
per year
Hourly
$76.72
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$94,697
25th Percentile — Junior$130,155
50th Percentile — Median$150,282
75th Percentile — Senior$209,934
90th Percentile — Top Earners$242,070
💡 Top-earning Computer Research Scientists in Virginia make up to $242,070 per year. The job market in Virginia is rated very strong, with key industries including Government, Technology, Defense.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$116.5k
2021
$124.1k
2022
$132.1k
2023
$140.7k
2024
$149.8k
2025
$159.6k
2026
📈 Computer Research Scientist salaries in Virginia have followed the national trend with 6.5% annual growth. The strong demand in Virginia's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Computer Research Scientist Salary by City in Virginia
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Virginia Beach $167,567 +5.0% Very High
Richmond $162,780 +2.0% Very High
🔍
Computer Research Scientist Job Market in Virginia
Key factors affecting compensation

Virginia is home to a very strong job market for Computer Research Scientists. The state's key industries — Government, Technology, Defense — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $159,588 per year, Virginia's Computer Research Scientist salaries are 10.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in Virginia (index: 1.1) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in Virginia can expect to earn $94,697–$130,155, while experienced Computer Research Scientists can command $209,934–$242,070.

Looking ahead, the Computer Research Scientist profession in Virginia is projected to grow at 6.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Government continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Computer Research Scientist salary in Virginia is $159,588 per year in 2026, which is 10.0% above the national average of $145,080.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Computer Research Scientists the highest wages in Virginia due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Virginia has a very strong job market with major industries in Government, Technology, Defense. This makes it one of the better states for Computer Research Scientist employment.
  • At $159,588/year, Virginia Computer Research Scientist salaries are 10.0% higher than the national average of $145,080/year.