Business & Finance Virginia (VA) Rank #11 of 50

Project Manager Salary in Virginia

The median project manager salary in Virginia is $103,953 per year, which is 9.0% above the national median of $95,370.

Median Salary
$103,953
vs National
+$8,583
State Rank
#11 of 50
Cost of Living
104%

Project Manager Salary Overview in Virginia (2026)

Virginia ranks #11 out of 50 states for project manager compensation. Virginia falls in the middle of the pack for project manager pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $103,953 per year, project managers in Virginia earn $8,583 more than the national median of $95,370.

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

The salary spread in Virginia is significant: project managers at the 10th percentile earn $61,258, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $173,419 — a $112,161 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 $130,657.

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

Project Manager Salary in Virginia by Experience

In Virginia, an entry-level project manager earns around $63,220, while experienced professionals earn up to $158,050 per year. The cost of living index in Virginia is 104% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$63,220
+$5,220 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$104,640
+$8,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$158,050
+$13,050 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Virginia

Percentile VA Salary
10th Percentile $61,258
25th Percentile $79,570
Median (50th) $103,953
75th Percentile $137,340
90th Percentile $173,419

Project Manager Salary by City in Virginia

The largest employment areas for project managers 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 Project Manager in Virginia

Education

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

Key Skills

Agile/ScrumRisk ManagementBudgetingStakeholder CommunicationJIRA/AsanaPMP Certification

Job Outlook in Virginia

Nationally, project manager 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: Project Manager Salary in Virginia

How much does a Project Manager make in Virginia? ▼
The median project manager salary in Virginia is $103,953 per year, which is 9.0% above the national median of $95,370. Salaries range from $61,258 (10th percentile) to $173,419 (90th percentile).
How much does a Project Manager make per hour in Virginia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $103,953, a project manager in Virginia earns approximately $50 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Virginia a good state for project managers? ▼
Virginia ranks #11 out of 50 states for project manager pay. The cost of living index is 104% of the national average. Entry-level project managers earn $63,220, while senior professionals earn $158,050.
How does Virginia compare to other states for project manager salary? ▼
The highest paying state for project managers is Hawaii at $162,129. Virginia's median of $103,953 ranks #11 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Washington ($109,675) and Oregon ($104,907).
What is the entry-level project manager salary in Virginia? ▼
An entry-level project manager in Virginia earns approximately $63,220 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $104,640. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $158,050.
What city in Virginia pays project managers the most? ▼
Arlington is the highest paying city in Virginia for project managers, with a median salary of $130,657. Other cities include Virginia Beach and Norfolk.