Conservation Scientist Salary in Virginia (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Conservation Scientists in Virginia, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Virginia Median
$77,380
per year
Hourly Rate
$37.20
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+6% vs US median
US median $73,010
State Rank
#14 of 51
480 employed here

How much does a Conservation Scientist make in Virginia?

A Conservation Scientist working in Virginia earns a median salary of $77,380 per year, or about $37.20 per hour. That is 6% above the national median of $73,010 for this occupation.

Within Virginia, entry-level pay starts around $45,910 while the top 10% make $161,470 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $60,190 and $108,890 a year.

Conservation Scientist salary range in Virginia

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$45,910$22.07
25th percentile (early career)$60,190$28.94
50th percentile (median)$77,380$37.20
75th percentile (experienced)$108,890$52.35
90th percentile (top earners)$161,470$77.63

How Virginia compares

Virginia ranks 14th out of 51 states and territories for Conservation Scientist pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1District of Columbia$99,400
2Colorado$84,820
3Maryland$83,290
4Idaho$81,330
5Wyoming$81,310

Working as a Conservation Scientist in Virginia

Nationally, about 26,000 people work as Conservation Scientists in the United States. A bachelor's degree (about 4 years of college) is the standard entry requirement.

Considering a move? Compare Virginia pay ($77,380) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Conservation Scientist make in Virginia?
The median Conservation Scientist salary in Virginia is $77,380 per year, or about $37.20 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $45,910 at the entry level to $161,470 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Virginia pay compare to the national average?
Virginia pays Conservation Scientists about 6% more than the national median of $73,010. Virginia ranks 14th out of 51 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Virginia a good state for Conservation Scientists?
Yes on pay — Virginia pays above the national median for this occupation, at $77,380 a year. About 480 Conservation Scientists are employed in Virginia. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Virginia?
The highest-paying occupations in Virginia include Anesthesiologist ($488,310), Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($478,710), Cardiologist ($461,450), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Conservation Scientist salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.