Computer and Information Research Scientists salary in Richmond, VA
Computer and Information Research Scientists in the Richmond, VA metro area earn a median of $162,910 a year ($78.32 an hour), based on BLS data for 160 workers.
Pay ranges from $103,860 for the lowest-paid 10% to $216,170 for the top 10%. That is 16% higher than the national median of $140,300. Pay here is 4% higher than the Virginia statewide median of $157,390. There are 0.24 computer and information research scientists per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $160,770, close to the median.
Pay range for computer and information research scientists in Richmond, VA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $103,860 | $49.93 |
| 25th percentile | $136,710 | $65.73 |
| Median | $162,910 | $78.32 |
| 75th percentile | $199,880 | $96.09 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $216,170 | $103.93 |
| Average (mean) | $160,770 | $77.29 |
Half of computer and information research scientists earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $13,575.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $6,787.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $6,265.77 |
| Weekly | $3,132.88 |
| Hourly | $78.32 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Computer and Information Research Scientists salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $161,090 | 3,420 |
| Charlottesville, VA | $144,580 | 40 |
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC | $132,870 | 460 |
Highest-paying states for computer and information research scientists
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Oregon | $206,220 |
| Washington | $202,400 |
| New York | $181,990 |
| Massachusetts | $170,510 |
| New Mexico | $165,690 |
| California | $159,100 |
| Virginia | $157,390 |
| Maryland | $145,310 |
| District of Columbia | $144,190 |
| New Jersey | $140,840 |
See Computer and Information Research Scientists pay in every state or the Virginia statewide figures.
Related jobs in Richmond, VA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | $132,120 | $63.52 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $105,190 | $50.57 |
| Computer User Support Specialist | $60,790 | $29.23 |
| Information Security Analyst | $126,230 | $60.69 |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrators | $99,750 | $47.96 |
| Computer Occupations, All Other | $111,070 | $53.40 |
| Computer Network Architect | $129,210 | $62.12 |
| Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | $106,300 | $51.11 |
| Computer Network Support Specialist | $65,460 | $31.47 |
| Database Administrator | $99,690 | $47.93 |
| Database Architect | $133,770 | $64.31 |
| Computer Programmer | $112,690 | $54.18 |
| Web and Digital Interface Designers | $63,660 | $30.60 |
| Web Developer | $117,090 | $56.30 |
More: Computer and Mathematical Occupations · all salaries in Richmond, VA
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 15-1221. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a computer and information research scientists make in Richmond, VA?
The median salary for computer and information research scientists in the Richmond, VA metro area is $162,910 a year, or $78.32 an hour. Pay ranges from $103,860 for the lowest-paid 10% to $216,170 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid computer and information research scientists make in Richmond, VA?
The top 10% of computer and information research scientists in the Richmond, VA metro area earn at least $216,170 a year. The top 25% earn $199,880 or more.
What is the starting pay for computer and information research scientists in Richmond, VA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $103,860 a year, and a quarter of computer and information research scientists earn $136,710 or less.
How many computer and information research scientists work in Richmond, VA?
About 160 computer and information research scientists are employed in the Richmond, VA metro area, not counting the self-employed.