Food Scientists and Technologists Salary in Virginia (2026)

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Virginia Median
$93,590
per year
Hourly Rate
$45.00
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+5% vs US median
US median $88,720
State Rank
#14 of 39
70 employed here

How much do Food Scientists and Technologists make in Virginia?

Food Scientists and Technologists working in Virginia earn a median salary of $93,590 per year, or about $45.00 per hour. That is 5% above the national median of $88,720 for this occupation.

Within Virginia, entry-level pay starts around $66,000 while the top 10% make $160,700 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $73,970 and $129,730 a year.

Food Scientists and Technologists salary range in Virginia

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$66,000$31.73
25th percentile (early career)$73,970$35.56
50th percentile (median)$93,590$45.00
75th percentile (experienced)$129,730$62.37
90th percentile (top earners)$160,700$77.26

How Virginia compares

Virginia ranks 14th out of 39 states and territories for Food Scientists and Technologists pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1South Carolina$108,660
2Missouri$105,930
3New Jersey$104,340
4Massachusetts$103,580
5Florida$101,160

Working as Food Scientists and Technologists in Virginia

Nationally, about 13,000 people work as Food Scientists and Technologists in the United States. A bachelor's degree (about 4 years of college) is the standard entry requirement.

Considering a move? Compare Virginia pay ($93,590) 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 do Food Scientists and Technologists make in Virginia?
The median Food Scientists and Technologists salary in Virginia is $93,590 per year, or about $45.00 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $66,000 at the entry level to $160,700 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Virginia pay compare to the national average?
Virginia pays Food Scientists and Technologists about 5% more than the national median of $88,720. Virginia ranks 14th out of 39 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Virginia a good state for Food Scientists and Technologists?
Yes on pay — Virginia pays above the national median for this occupation, at $93,590 a year. About 70 Food Scientists and Technologists 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 Food Scientists and Technologists 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.