The highest-paying jobs in Virginia include physicians ($239,000+/year), dentists ($163,000/year), and computer and information systems managers ($161,000/year). Other high-earning roles are financial managers, marketing managers, and airline pilots. Salaries vary based on specialization and experience.
Virginia has high paying jobs across healthcare, tech, engineering and business. Many of these require a bachelor’s degree which can open up higher salary ranges and better job prospects. Some of these roles require advanced education, specialized training or significant experience. Below we’ll look at the top paying jobs in Virginia for 2024-2025, the skills and qualifications needed and trends.
Examples Of High Paying Jobs
Job Title | Median Annual Salary |
---|---|
Emergency Medicine Physicians | $239,200+ |
Finance Services Director | $200,000+ (estimated) |
Chief Medical Officer | $190,000+ (estimated) |
Anesthesiologists | $180,000+ (estimated) |
Sales Managers | $165,160 |
Marketing Managers | $163,350 |
Financial Managers | $160,000+ (estimated) |
Cybersecurity Engineers | $120,000+ (estimated) |
Data Scientists | $115,000+ (estimated) |
Software Quality Assurance Analysts | $105,570 |
Overview of High-Paying Industries in Virginia
Virginia’s top-paying jobs are concentrated in industries like healthcare, technology, and executive leadership. Key drivers include the state’s proximity to Washington, D.C., its thriving tech hubs, and its demand for healthcare and defense services.
Industries Contributing to High Salaries
- Healthcare: Surgeons, anesthesiologists, and emergency physicians are highly compensated due to their specialized expertise and patient care responsibilities.
- Technology: Cybersecurity engineers, data scientists, and software analysts benefit from Virginia’s status as a leading tech hub.
- Executive Leadership: Finance directors and C-suite roles in industries such as finance, healthcare, and manufacturing command significant salaries.
Median Annual Salaries by Industry:
- Emergency Medicine Physicians: $239,200+
- Finance Services Director: $200,000+ (estimated)
- Chief Medical Officer: $190,000+ (estimated)
- Cybersecurity Engineers: $120,000+ (estimated)
Top 5 Highest Paying Jobs in Virginia
1. Emergency Medicine Physicians
Median Salary: $239,200+
Emergency physicians treat critical injuries and illnesses, requiring quick decision-making and advanced medical expertise.
2. Finance Services Director
Median Salary: $200,000+ (estimated) These professionals oversee financial strategies and ensure compliance with regulations. A bachelor’s degree in finance and business acumen are essential. For more detailed information about responsibilities, qualifications, and benefits, please review the full job description.
3. Chief Medical Officer (CMO)
Median Salary: $190,000+ (estimated) The CMO directs patient care programs, ensuring medical staff adheres to the highest standards. Expertise in healthcare leadership and a medical degree are required. A master’s degree in healthcare administration or a related field is often required for this role.
4. Anesthesiologists
Median Salary: $180,000+ (estimated)
Anesthesiologists manage pain and sedation during surgeries. Extensive training, including medical school and residency programs, is mandatory.
5. Sales Managers
Median Salary: $165,160
Sales managers strategize to improve revenue, supervise teams, and expand market share. Strong business development skills and a bachelor’s degree are often needed.
Regional Breakdown of High-Paying Jobs in Virginia
Northern Virginia
Northern Virginia has the highest paying jobs due to its proximity to Washington D.C. and its tech and defense industries. Job seekers in Arlington, Alexandria and Fairfax County earn more in tech, engineering and government contracting.
Central Virginia
Richmond is a hub for executive roles in finance and healthcare. Marketing managers and chief operating officers are common in this area.
Hampton Roads (Southeastern Virginia)
Norfolk and Virginia Beach focus on maritime industries, healthcare and logistics. Specialized medical roles like orthodontists and pediatricians are also common here. Please review the job description to see qualifications and responsibilities for these specialized medical roles.
Region | Top-Paying Jobs | Notable Cities |
---|---|---|
Northern Virginia | Cybersecurity Engineers | Arlington, Fairfax |
Central Virginia | Marketing and Finance Managers | Richmond |
Hampton Roads | Medical Specialists | Norfolk, Virginia Beach |
Education and Skills Needed for High-Paying Jobs
Education
Many high paying jobs require advanced degrees, certifications or specialized training:
- Bachelor’s Degree: Required for roles like financial managers and data scientists.
- Master’s Degree: Common for executive roles in business or healthcare.
- Doctorates or Medical Degree: Required for roles like anesthesiology and emergency medicine.
Having the right education allows job seekers to meet the demands of the job market.
Skills
High paying jobs often require expertise in:
- Technology: Cybersecurity, data analysis, programming languages (Python, R)
- Leadership: Strategic planning, business development, team management
- Healthcare: Patient care, advanced diagnostics, surgical skills
Future of High Paying Jobs in Virginia
Virginia’s job market is expected to grow in the next few years, especially in healthcare and tech. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Healthcare: The aging population will require more medical professionals.
- Technology: AI, cybersecurity, data science roles will grow.
- Renewable Energy: Jobs in green tech and sustainability are emerging fast.
Trends
- Automation: New tech is automating repetitive tasks, creating demand for skilled engineers.
- Government Spending: Federal spending in defense and tech sectors is creating jobs.
- Remote Work: Employers are offering remote options for tech and business roles.
Tech and IT Jobs in Virginia
Emerging Opportunities
Virginia’s tech industry is growing fast, with a high demand for skilled professionals in many fields. From cybersecurity to data science, the state is home to a vibrant startup, scale-up and established company ecosystem. Here are some emerging tech and IT jobs in Virginia:
- Cybersecurity Specialists: With cyber attacks on the rise, companies need experts to protect their networks, systems and data. Cybersecurity specialists in Virginia earn $120,000 per year.
- Data Scientists: As data becomes key to business decisions, data scientists are in demand. Data scientists in Virginia earn $110,000 per year.
- Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Engineers: With AI and machine learning on the rise, companies need experts to develop and implement. AI/ML engineers in Virginia earn $125,000 per year.
- Cloud Computing Professionals: As more companies go to the cloud, demand for cloud computing professionals is growing. In Virginia, cloud computing professionals earn $115,000 per year.
- DevOps Engineers: DevOps engineers are responsible for the smooth operation of software systems. In Virginia, DevOps engineers earn $110,000 per year.
These are just a few of the many tech and IT jobs in Virginia. The state’s strong economy and growing tech industry means there are plenty of jobs for skilled professionals.
Career Planning in Virginia
To succeed in Virginia’s job market, focus on high growth industries like healthcare, technology and business. Know your strengths, get relevant degrees or certifications and leverage networking opportunities to boost your career.
How to Succeed
- Research Trends: Study labor stats and salary projections to choose a career.
- Invest in Education: Get degrees or certifications to meet job requirements.
- Develop Skills: Technical skills, leadership skills, communication skills
- Network: Use professional connections, job boards and mentorship programs to get opportunities.
Virginia has plenty of opportunities for professionals with the right skills, education and attitude. Stay informed and proactive and you can succeed in one of the country’s best economies.
Common Questions
Below are common questions we get asked about jobs in Virginia.
What’s the job outlook for the medical industry in Virginia over the next few years?
The job outlook for the medical industry in Virginia is good. According to labor stats, healthcare is one of the top growing industries in Virginia. By 2026, employment in Health Care and Social Assistance is projected to grow by 113,151 jobs. The industry is still growing and has high demand for nursing and patient care jobs.
Job growth in this sector will be above national average, so there are plenty of opportunities for those with the right skills and qualifications.
How do job seekers use technology to get high paying jobs in Virginia?
Job seekers can use technology in the following ways to get high paying jobs in Virginia:
– Use job search websites and company career pages to read full job descriptions and find suitable jobs. Also, review the www links to privacy policies and terms of use on these websites.
– Use professional networking sites to connect with companies and industry leaders.
– Develop digital skills and get relevant certifications to meet the growing demand for tech skills.
– Use online resources to research trends and salary.
– Attend virtual job fairs and online interviews to expand your job search.
How does education factor into getting high paying jobs in Virginia’s growing industries?
Education plays a big role in getting high paying jobs in Virginia’s growing industries. Many jobs require a bachelor’s degree or higher especially in fields like technology and healthcare. For example, software developers which are in high demand need a bachelor’s degree and have a median annual wage of $106,5003.
But some industries also value practical skills and experience. Job seekers should read job descriptions carefully to determine education requirements and consider additional training or certification programs to boost their qualifications and chances of getting hired.
How are Virginia companies changing their hiring process to attract and retain talent in a competitive market?
Virginia companies are:
– Offering competitive benefits including health insurance and work-life balance.
– Providing skills development and career growth opportunities.
– Offering flexible work arrangements including remote and hybrid.
– Streamlining the hiring process to quickly find and hire top talent.
– Creating inclusive work environments to attract diverse candidates.
– Using technology for efficient candidate screening and virtual interviews.
– Highlighting company culture and values to attract job seekers who want to make a difference.
What are the emerging industries in Virginia job seekers should watch out for?
Job seekers should watch out for these emerging industries in Virginia:
– Technology: Cybersecurity, data science and software development are hot fields.
– Healthcare: With an aging population, healthcare services are growing and need medical professionals and support staff.
– Clean Energy: Virginia is investing in renewable energy and creating new jobs in this sector.
– Advanced Manufacturing: The state is luring high-tech manufacturers and opportunities are emerging in this field.
– Professional and Technical Services: 72,621 new jobs by 2026.
– Construction: 15,526 new jobs by 2026.
Job seekers should research industry trends, develop skills and get qualified for these growing sectors.