Physicists Salary in Virginia

Physicists in Virginia earn the most in Richmond (average $202,250 a year) and the least in Virginia Beach ($124,960), across the 3 Virginia metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the physicists average at $159,320 and the median at $145,040 for 940 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $171,180.

Physicists average salary by city in Virginia

Richmond$202,250
Charlottesville$160,270
Virginia Beach$124,960

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
Richmond	$202,250	$218,290	$164,480	$139,769	98
Charlottesville	$160,270	$148,950	$109,490	$112,409	99
Virginia Beach	$124,960	$110,930	$104,920	$90,305	98

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer. Cost of living: BEA price parity, U.S. = 100.

Physicists salary in other states

Physicists salary by city and state

More about pay in Virginia

Sources and how to read this page

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. SOC code 19-2012.
U.S. and statewide figures: BLS OEWS national and state estimates, May 2025, every employer including rural areas.
Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.

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