Materials Scientist Salary in Virginia (2026)
Virginia · 10.0% above national average · Medium Demand
| City | Avg Salary | vs National | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach | $118,133 | +5.0% | Medium |
| Richmond | $114,758 | +2.0% | Medium |
Virginia is home to a very strong job market for Materials Scientists. The state's key industries — Government, Technology, Defense — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $112,508 per year, Virginia's Materials 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 $69,883–$92,983, while experienced Materials Scientists can command $144,958–$165,239.
Looking ahead, the Materials Scientist profession in Virginia is projected to grow at 3.0% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Government continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.
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What is the average Materials Scientist salary in Virginia?The average Materials Scientist salary in Virginia is $112,508 per year in 2026, which is 10.0% above the national average of $102,280.
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What city in Virginia pays Materials Scientists the most?Major metro areas typically pay Materials Scientists the highest wages in Virginia due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
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Is Virginia a good state for Materials Scientists?Virginia has a very strong job market with major industries in Government, Technology, Defense. This makes it one of the better states for Materials Scientist employment.
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How does Virginia Materials Scientist salary compare to the US average?At $112,508/year, Virginia Materials Scientist salaries are 10.0% higher than the national average of $102,280/year.