Physicist Salary in Virginia (2026)
Virginia · 10.0% above national average · High Demand
| City | Avg Salary | vs National | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach | $170,108 | +5.0% | High |
| Richmond | $165,248 | +2.0% | High |
Virginia is home to a very strong job market for Physicists. The state's key industries — Government, Technology, Defense — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $162,008 per year, Virginia's Physicist 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 $90,343–$124,883, while experienced Physicists can command $202,598–$234,055.
Looking ahead, the Physicist profession in Virginia is projected to grow at 3.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Government continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.
-
What is the average Physicist salary in Virginia?The average Physicist salary in Virginia is $162,008 per year in 2026, which is 10.0% above the national average of $147,280.
-
What city in Virginia pays Physicists the most?Major metro areas typically pay Physicists the highest wages in Virginia due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
-
Is Virginia a good state for Physicists?Virginia has a very strong job market with major industries in Government, Technology, Defense. This makes it one of the better states for Physicist employment.
-
How does Virginia Physicist salary compare to the US average?At $162,008/year, Virginia Physicist salaries are 10.0% higher than the national average of $147,280/year.