Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Virginia
2026 Salary & Job Market Data
Quick Snapshot
| Metric | Virginia | National | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,850 | $78,980 | +4.9% vs US |
| State Rank | #10 of 54 states | Top 10 state | |
| Employment | 44,310 jobs | 1,446,770 jobs | 3.1% of US jobs |
| Job Concentration (LQ) | — | 1.00 | Average |
Full Salary Distribution in Virginia
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $47,880 | $23.02 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,990 | $29.81 |
| Median | $82,850 | $39.83 |
| 75th Percentile | $125,820 | $60.49 |
| 90th Percentile | $173,180 | $83.26 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Virginia in 2026?
With a median salary of $82,850 in Virginia and a 2014–2024 salary trend of +15.2%, life, physical, and social science occupations are still in strong and growing demand.
How can life, physical, and social science occupations increase their salary in Virginia?
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Virginia can increase earnings by targeting higher-paying industries which tend to offer compensation well above the state median. Additionally, relocating to a higher-paying state could offer a significant income boost: Virginia currently ranks #10 out of 54 states for this occupation. Pursuing advanced credentials, specializations, or roles with greater responsibility are proven ways to move toward the 75th or 90th percentile of earners.
Which industries pay the most for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Virginia?
State-level industry data is limited for this occupation. Nationally, the top-paying industries are:
| Industry | Annual Median |
|---|---|
| Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other Financial Investments and Related Activities | $200,660 |
| Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other Financial Investments and Related Activities | $200,660 |
| Monetary Authorities-Central Bank | $182,690 |
How are Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations paid in Virginia compared to the national average?
The median salary for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Virginia is $82,850, which is 4.9% above the national median of $78,980.