How to Become a Data Scientists in Virginia
Data Scientists in Virginia earn a median salary of $126,070/year, which is 12% above the national average. Virginia has a state income tax of ~5.3%. After taxes and rent, a data scientists takes home approximately $6,104/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.
What a data scientists can afford in Virginia
Becoming a data scientists in Virginia
Meet education requirements
Data Scientists positions in Virginia typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Virginia. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many data scientists positions in Virginia require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain Virginia licensure or certification
Virginia may require specific licensing or professional certification for data scientistss. Requirements vary by state — contact the Virginia Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in Virginia
Virginia employs 6,200 data scientists. The highest concentrations are in Richmond and Lynchburg.
Data Scientists salary by metro area in Virginia
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond | $117K | $56.26/hr | 880 |
| Lynchburg | $109K | $52.4/hr | 60 |
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk | $107K | $51.37/hr | 610 |
| Charlottesville | $106K | $50.8/hr | 100 |
| Roanoke | $95K | $45.65/hr | 70 |
| Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford | $86K | $41.46/hr | 50 |
Data Scientists salary range in Virginia
Data Scientists careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a data scientists make in Virginia?▼
The median data scientists salary in Virginia is $126,070 per year ($60.61/hr). This is 12% above the national median of $112,590. Salaries range from $78,570 to $197,430.
What are the requirements to become a data scientists in Virginia?▼
Data Scientists positions in Virginia typically require Bachelor's degree. Virginia may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Virginia licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a data scientists afford to live in Virginia?▼
At the median salary of $126,070, a data scientists in Virginia would take home approximately $7,516/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 18.8% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for data scientists in Virginia?▼
The highest paying metro areas for data scientists in Virginia are Richmond ($117,020), Lynchburg ($108,980), Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk ($106,850). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does Virginia have state income tax for data scientists?▼
Yes, Virginia has a state income tax rate of approximately 5.3%. On a $126,070 salary, this means roughly $6,733/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.