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State profile

Top Paying Jobs in Virginia

Virginia has 100 tracked occupation categories totaling 671,750 jobs. The highest-paying occupations include Anesthesiologists ($488,310), Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric ($478,710), Cardiologists ($461,450). The cost of living index is 94.79 (national average = 100). Median 2-bedroom rent is $1,646/month.

State-level averages. Salaries, rent, and cost of living vary significantly between metros. For more accurate data, select a metro area from the list below or browse all metros.

$166K
Avg. median salary
94.79
Cost of living index
$1,646
Median 2BR rent
8,797,004
Population

Highest paying careers in Virginia

RankOccupationCategoryMedian salaryHourly
21Financial ManagersManagement$185K$89.05/hr
22Legal Support Workers, All OtherLegal$180K$86.52/hr
23Ophthalmologists, Except PediatricHealthcare$177K$85.29/hr
24Public Relations ManagersManagement$176K$84.78/hr
25Architectural and Engineering ManagersManagement$176K$84.69/hr
26LawyersLegal$167K$80.39/hr
27Managers, All OtherManagement$166K$79.92/hr
28Purchasing ManagersManagement$166K$79.92/hr
29Human Resources ManagersManagement$166K$79.8/hr
30Database ArchitectsTechnology$160K$77.09/hr

Affordability snapshot: Virginia

These are statewide averages. Costs vary widely between metros, click into a specific city for precise numbers.

Cost of living vs. national average-5.2% less expensive
2-bedroom apartment (FMR)$1,646/mo

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Metro areas in Virginia

Click a metro for detailed salary, rent, and cost-of-living data specific to that area.

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