Retail & Sales Virginia (VA) Rank #14 of 50

Retail Manager Salary in Virginia

The median retail manager salary in Virginia is $52,416 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $50,400.

Median Salary
$52,416
vs National
+$2,016
State Rank
#14 of 50
Cost of Living
104%

Retail Manager Salary Overview in Virginia (2026)

Virginia ranks #14 out of 50 states for retail manager compensation. Virginia falls in the middle of the pack for retail manager pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $52,416 per year, retail managers in Virginia earn $2,016 more than the national median of $50,400.

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

The salary spread in Virginia is significant: retail managers at the 10th percentile earn $31,200, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $95,680 — a $64,480 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 $66,528.

Nationally, retail manager employment is projected to grow 1% over the next decade (slower than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for retail managers across the country.

Retail Manager Salary in Virginia by Experience

In Virginia, an entry-level retail manager earns around $33,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $88,400 per year. The cost of living index in Virginia is 104% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,280
+$1,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$54,080
+$2,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$88,400
+$3,400 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Virginia

Percentile VA Salary
10th Percentile $31,200
25th Percentile $39,520
Median (50th) $52,416
75th Percentile $72,800
90th Percentile $95,680

Retail Manager Salary by City in Virginia

The largest employment areas for retail 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 Retail Manager in Virginia

Education

Most retail manager positions require a high school diploma. Virginia has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Retail ManagementSalesInventory ManagementCustomer ServiceStaff TrainingVisual Merchandising

Job Outlook in Virginia

Nationally, retail manager employment is projected to grow 1% over the next decade (slower than average). Virginia's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Retail Manager Salary in Virginia

How much does a Retail Manager make in Virginia? ▼
The median retail manager salary in Virginia is $52,416 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $50,400. Salaries range from $31,200 (10th percentile) to $95,680 (90th percentile).
How much does a Retail Manager make per hour in Virginia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $52,416, a retail manager in Virginia earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Virginia a good state for retail managers? ▼
Virginia ranks #14 out of 50 states for retail manager pay. The cost of living index is 104% of the national average. Entry-level retail managers earn $33,280, while senior professionals earn $88,400.
How does Virginia compare to other states for retail manager salary? ▼
The highest paying state for retail managers is Hawaii at $85,680. Virginia's median of $52,416 ranks #14 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New Hampshire ($52,920) and Rhode Island ($52,920).
What is the entry-level retail manager salary in Virginia? ▼
An entry-level retail manager in Virginia earns approximately $33,280 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $54,080. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $88,400.
What city in Virginia pays retail managers the most? ▼
Arlington is the highest paying city in Virginia for retail managers, with a median salary of $66,528. Other cities include Virginia Beach and Norfolk.