- 1.DC Metro tech professionals earn 28% more than Virginia state average, with median salaries reaching 142000
- 2.Defense contractors offer the highest compensation packages, averaging 155000 for senior engineers
- 3.Northern Virginia commands a 35% salary premium over Richmond and Norfolk markets
- 4.Cybersecurity roles in Virginia have grown 23% year-over-year, driven by federal contracting demands
- 5.Remote-eligible positions in Virginia tech companies average 15% higher base salaries than on-site roles
Virginia Tech Salaries vs National Averages
How Virginia compensation compares across key technology roles
Software Engineer (Virginia)
Median Annual Salary
Software Engineer (US Average)
Median Annual Salary
Cybersecurity Analyst (Virginia)
Median Annual Salary
Cybersecurity Analyst (US Average)
Median Annual Salary
Data Scientist (Virginia)
Median Annual Salary
Data Scientist (US Average)
Median Annual Salary
Source: Glassdoor, Cleared Jobs 2024
Virginia Tech Salaries by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Software Engineering | Cybersecurity | Data Science | DevOps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | 85000 | 95000 | 92000 | 88000 |
| Mid-Level (3-5 years) | 125000 | 135000 | 138000 | 128000 |
| Senior (6-10 years) | 165000 | 175000 | 185000 | 168000 |
| Principal/Staff (10+ years) | 195000 | 215000 | 225000 | 198000 |
Source: Levels.fyi, Glassdoor 2024 Compensation Data
Virginia Cybersecurity Salaries
Driven by increased federal contracting and security clearance requirements
Source: Economic Policy Institute 2024
Salary Variations by Company Type in Virginia
| Company Type | Average Base Salary | Total Compensation | Security Clearance Bonus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Defense Contractors | 155000 | 185000 | 15000 |
| Federal Agencies | 118000 | 142000 | 12000 |
| Tech Startups | 135000 | 165000 | 0 |
| Financial Services | 142000 | 175000 | 5000 |
| Consulting Firms | 148000 | 178000 | 8000 |
Source: Glassdoor, Cleared Jobs, Federal Pay Scale 2024
Geographic Salary Distribution Across Virginia
| Metro Area | Software Engineer | Cybersecurity | Data Scientist | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Virginia (DC Metro) | 142000 | 158000 | 165000 | 124 |
| Richmond Metro | 108000 | 118000 | 125000 | 98 |
| Virginia Beach-Norfolk | 105000 | 125000 | 118000 | 95 |
| Charlottesville | 95000 | 108000 | 112000 | 102 |
| Roanoke | 88000 | 95000 | 98000 | 87 |
Source: BLS Metropolitan Area Statistics, Cost of Living Index 2024
Source: ClearanceJobs Market Report 2024
Specialized software engineers working on defense systems, requiring security clearances and expertise in government contracting processes.
Key Skills
Common Jobs
- • Lockheed Martin
- • Raytheon
- • General Dynamics
- • Booz Allen Hamilton
Cybersecurity professionals focused on protecting government systems and infrastructure, often requiring Top Secret clearances.
Key Skills
Common Jobs
- • Department of Defense
- • Department of Homeland Security
- • FBI
- • CIA
Data professionals applying machine learning and analytics to government challenges and policy decisions.
Key Skills
Common Jobs
- • Census Bureau
- • Treasury
- • GSA
- • USDS
Remote-Eligible Tech Jobs in Virginia
Federal agencies and contractors expanding remote work policies post-pandemic
Strategic Steps for Maximizing Your Virginia Tech Career
Obtain Security Clearance Eligibility
With 68% of Virginia tech roles requiring clearance, start the process early. Secret clearance adds average 12000 salary premium, Top Secret adds 25000.
Target Northern Virginia Market
DC metro area offers 35% salary premium. Consider remote work options to access higher salaries while maintaining lower cost of living in other Virginia regions.
Specialize in High-Demand Areas
Cybersecurity roles show 23% year-over-year growth. Cloud security, AI/ML, and DevSecOps skills command highest premiums in Virginia market.
Consider Defense Contractor Roles
Defense contractors offer highest total compensation (185000 average) and often provide better work-life balance than private sector alternatives.
Leverage Federal Contracting Experience
Government contracting experience is highly valued. Consider starting with federal roles or contractors to build specialized expertise.
This analysis combines multiple authoritative data sources to provide comprehensive Virginia tech salary insights, with focus on accuracy and representativeness of the current market.
Coding Bootcamps: An Alternative Pathway
Coding bootcamps offer an accelerated pathway into tech careers. For those considering alternatives to traditional degrees, here's what you need to know about this intensive learning format.
What is a Coding Bootcamp?
A coding bootcamp is an intensive, short-term training program (typically 12-24 weeks) that teaches practical programming skills through hands-on projects. Unlike traditional degrees, bootcamps focus exclusively on job-ready skills and often include career services to help graduates land their first tech role.
Who Bootcamps Are Best For
- Career changers looking to enter tech quickly
- Professionals wanting to upskill or transition roles
- Self-taught developers seeking structured training
- Those unable to commit to a 4-year degree timeline
What People Love
Based on discussions from r/codingbootcamp, r/cscareerquestions, and r/learnprogramming
- Fast-track to employment—many graduates land jobs within 3-6 months
- Hands-on, project-based learning builds real portfolio pieces
- Career services and interview prep included in most programs
- Strong alumni networks for job referrals and mentorship
- Structured curriculum keeps you accountable and on track
Common Concerns
Honest feedback from bootcamp graduates and industry professionals
- Intense pace can be overwhelming—expect 60-80 hour weeks
- Some employers still prefer traditional CS degrees for certain roles
- Quality varies widely between programs—research carefully
- Job placement stats can be misleading—ask for CIRR audited reports
- May lack depth in computer science fundamentals like algorithms
Save $1000 on Springboard Bootcamps
Springboard offers career-focused bootcamps with 1-on-1 mentorship from industry professionals. Their programs include a job guarantee—complete all requirements, and if you don't land a qualifying role, you may be eligible for a full tuition refund. Use our exclusive link to save $1000 on enrollment.
Programs for Tech careers:
- Software Engineering Career Track
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More Bootcamp Resources
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia Tech Salaries
Related Career Resources and Salary Studies
Data Sources and References
Federal government salary and employment data for Virginia metropolitan areas
Verified salary data from 15000+ Virginia technology professionals across major companies
Crowd-sourced salary data including 28000 Virginia tech worker submissions from 2024
Specialized compensation data for security-cleared technology positions in Virginia
Regional cost of living adjustments and purchasing power analysis for Virginia metros
Remote work trends and salary analysis for federal contractors and government tech roles
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.