Virginia has experienced a technology sector explosion in recent years. With the state economy leaning more heavily on tech than ever before, high-paying roles continue flooding the job market. This fuels fantastic opportunities whether you already live in Virginia and desire a career change or have your sights set on moving where the action is.
Below we will analyze the 8 hottest tech jobs, expected salaries, critical skills and top companies currently competing fiercely for talent across the state. If six-figure earning potential piques your interest, buckle up!
Why Virginia‘s Tech Hub Status Attracts Top Companies
Fueled largely by Amazon‘s selection of Arlington for its east coast headquarters, Virginia has firmly developed into a bonafide tech stronghold. Technology jobs now account for 10.8% of total state GDP – the 3rd highest nationwide according to Cyberstates 2023.
When including warehouse and distribution personnel, Amazon directly employs over 150,000 Virginians. And the tech giant plans adding at least 25,000 additional corporate jobs locally over the coming decade. This single company commitment catalyzes immense growth.
Unsurprisingly, hordes of other preeminent technology companies are flocking nearby to leverage proximity between Amazon in Arlington and abundant tech talent. The region surrounding Washington D.C. coined as "Northern Virginia" or "NOVA" serves as the nucleus.
Virginia has experienced 31.3% tech sector job growth since 2018 with no signs of slowing. Bureau of Labor Statistics data from December 2022
With fame spreading coast to coast, you likely wonder exactly which technical roles currently offer the greatest pay and demand to propel your budding career. This insider guide shows you the light!
#1 Data Scientist ($125,130 average salary)
Data scientists represent the brains converting raw information into critical insights influencing key business decisions. As dependence on data analytics booms, these specialists rake in over $125K annually in Virginia.
Organizations urgently need talent integrating statistics, computational modeling and even touches of machine learning to extract meaning from ever-growing data stores. Advanced numerical and analytical capabilities drive success here.
You‘ll spend days synthesizing findings from large datasets, identifying impactful trends and building models predicting future outcomes. Expect frequent collaboration with departments company-wide to focus analysis areas and interpreter results.
| Skills Profile | Average Virginia Salary | Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Programming: Python, R, SQL | $125,130 | +32% 2017-2027 Projected |
| Statistical Modeling | ||
| Mathematics | ||
| Data Visualization | ||
| Machine Learning (intermediate) |
Typical data scientist skills & salary data via [Virginia Employment Commission](https://virginiaworks.com/analysis/)
Top Virginia employers clamoring for analytical talents like yours include Freddie Mac, Mars Inc, Micron Technologies, Capital One and dozens more industry leaders.
Enticing six-figure salaries surely spark your senses. But actualizing such earning potential requires proper preparations…
Continue reading for 7 more profitable and future-proof technology careers set to thrive across Virginia
#2 Artificial Intelligence Architect ($136,550 average salary)
Virginia transforms into an artificial intelligence hotbed practically by the minute. Everyone wants injecting machine learning capabilities boosting efficiency, customization and innovation. Master architects make this happen.
Artificial intelligence architects earn over $136,000 annually by converting conceptual ideas into concrete solutions. You‘ll interface between business leaders, data teams, engineers and stakeholders while leading projects end-to-end.
Each initiative starts assessing objectives then choosing appropriate AI and machine learning approaches meeting standards. This involves coordinating complex system development leveraging cloud infrastructures and services.
| Skills Profile | Average Virginia Salary | Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud Platform Experience: AWS/Google Cloud/Azure | $136,550 | +20% 2022-2027 Projected |
| Machine Learning Frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras) | ||
| Data Pipeline Architecture | ||
| Solution Design |
Common artificial intelligence architect skills & salary estimates via Payscale
We‘re just scratching the surface uncovering Northern Virginia‘s most valuable and futureproof tech careers. Let‘s investigate a half dozen more extraordinarily compensated roles literally transforming how modern organizations operate…
#3 Computer & Information Research Scientist ($121,250 average salary)
Overview forthcoming along with 4 additional lucrative tech job profiles!
| Role | Average Salary | Notable Companies Hiring |
|---|---|---|
| Computer & Information Research Scientist | $121,250 | MITRE, Leidos |
| DevOps Engineer | $96,270 | Booz Allen Hamilton, Micron Technologies |
| Information Security Analyst | $129,600 | SAIC, Mandiant |
| Software Developer | $104,500 | Mars Inc, Freddie Mac |
| Mobile App Developer | $94,300 | Verisign, Micron Technologies |
| Web Developer | $101,200 | Leidos, Booz Allen Hamilton |
