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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
81Electronics Engineers, Except ComputerEngineering$120K$57.69/hr
82Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, PostsecondaryEducation$120KN/A
83Transportation, Storage, and Distribution ManagersManagement$119K$57.28/hr
84Construction ManagersManagement$119K$57.26/hr
85Electrical EngineersEngineering$119K$57.23/hr
86Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All OtherArts & Media$118K$56.56/hr
87Management AnalystsBusiness & Finance$118K$56.53/hr
88Materials EngineersEngineering$117K$56.12/hr
89Facilities ManagersManagement$117K$56.03/hr
90StatisticiansTechnology$115K$55.25/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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