Data Scientist Salary in Virginia (2026)

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Virginia Median
$126,430
per year
Hourly Rate
$60.78
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+5% vs US median
US median $120,230
State Rank
#10 of 49
8,920 employed here

How much does a Data Scientist make in Virginia?

A Data Scientist working in Virginia earns a median salary of $126,430 per year, or about $60.78 per hour. That is 5% above the national median of $120,230 for this occupation.

Within Virginia, entry-level pay starts around $76,420 while the top 10% make $207,890 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $97,390 and $165,610 a year.

Data Scientist salary range in Virginia

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$76,420$36.74
25th percentile (early career)$97,390$46.82
50th percentile (median)$126,430$60.78
75th percentile (experienced)$165,610$79.62
90th percentile (top earners)$207,890$99.95

How Virginia compares

Virginia ranks 10th out of 49 states and territories for Data Scientist pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Washington$163,350
2California$141,590
3Maryland$136,370
4New Jersey$135,280
5Massachusetts$131,750

Working as a Data Scientist in Virginia

Nationally, about 262,000 people work as Data 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 ($126,430) 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 Data Scientist make in Virginia?
The median Data Scientist salary in Virginia is $126,430 per year, or about $60.78 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $76,420 at the entry level to $207,890 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Virginia pay compare to the national average?
Virginia pays Data Scientists about 5% more than the national median of $120,230. Virginia ranks 10th out of 49 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Virginia a good state for Data Scientists?
Yes on pay — Virginia pays above the national median for this occupation, at $126,430 a year. About 8,920 Data 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 Data 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.