Agriculture & Environment Virginia (VA) Rank #14 of 50

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Virginia

The median agricultural scientist salary in Virginia is $77,126 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $74,160.

Median Salary
$77,126
vs National
+$2,966
State Rank
#14 of 50
Cost of Living
104%

Agricultural Scientist Salary Overview in Virginia (2026)

Virginia ranks #14 out of 50 states for agricultural scientist compensation. Virginia falls in the middle of the pack for agricultural scientist pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $77,126 per year, agricultural scientists in Virginia earn $2,966 more than the national median of $74,160.

Virginia's cost of living is near the national average at 104%, meaning agricultural scientist salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Virginia is significant: agricultural scientists at the 10th percentile earn $45,760, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $126,880 — a $81,120 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Virginia for this role is Arlington, where the median reaches $97,891.

Nationally, agricultural scientist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for agricultural scientists across the country.

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Virginia by Experience

In Virginia, an entry-level agricultural scientist earns around $49,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $119,600 per year. The cost of living index in Virginia is 104% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$49,920
+$1,920 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$79,040
+$3,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$119,600
+$4,600 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Virginia

Percentile VA Salary
10th Percentile $45,760
25th Percentile $58,240
Median (50th) $77,126
75th Percentile $101,920
90th Percentile $126,880

Agricultural Scientist Salary by City in Virginia

The largest employment areas for agricultural scientists in Virginia include Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Richmond, and Arlington. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Agricultural Scientist in Virginia

Education

Most agricultural scientist positions require a bachelor's degree. Virginia has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

AgronomyResearch MethodsData AnalysisSoil ScienceGeneticsScientific Writing

Job Outlook in Virginia

Nationally, agricultural scientist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Virginia's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Agricultural Scientist Salary in Virginia

How much does a Agricultural Scientist make in Virginia? ▼
The median agricultural scientist salary in Virginia is $77,126 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $74,160. Salaries range from $45,760 (10th percentile) to $126,880 (90th percentile).
How much does a Agricultural Scientist make per hour in Virginia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $77,126, a agricultural scientist in Virginia earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Virginia a good state for agricultural scientists? ▼
Virginia ranks #14 out of 50 states for agricultural scientist pay. The cost of living index is 104% of the national average. Entry-level agricultural scientists earn $49,920, while senior professionals earn $119,600.
How does Virginia compare to other states for agricultural scientist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for agricultural scientists is Hawaii at $126,072. Virginia's median of $77,126 ranks #14 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New Hampshire ($77,868) and Rhode Island ($77,868).
What is the entry-level agricultural scientist salary in Virginia? ▼
An entry-level agricultural scientist in Virginia earns approximately $49,920 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $79,040. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $119,600.
What city in Virginia pays agricultural scientists the most? ▼
Arlington is the highest paying city in Virginia for agricultural scientists, with a median salary of $97,891. Other cities include Virginia Beach and Norfolk.