Sam SmithVirginia’s job market is powered by government contracting, defense, cybersecurity, healthcare, and advanced technology. With close ties to Washington, D.C., the state benefits from federal agencies, military operations, and Fortune 500 employers. Salaries for top roles range from $100,000 to $350,000+, especially for executive leaders, medical specialists, AI engineers, and cybersecurity experts. This list showcases the best positions in Virginia, reflecting current hiring trends and salary expectations statewide.
Top 100 Highest-Paid Jobs in Virginia
1. Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
CEOs in Virginia oversee organizational vision, financial performance, and long-term growth strategies across sectors such as government contracting, technology, finance, healthcare, and logistics. With Northern Virginia serving as a major corporate and federal hub, CEOs frequently manage complex multi-stakeholder environments, oversee compliance and regulatory matters, and negotiate high-value partnerships. Their compensation reflects responsibility for strategic direction, crisis management, investor relations, and performance oversight, often including stock incentives, bonuses, and executive benefits tied to company success.
2. Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
CFOs manage all financial functions including budgeting, risk management, capital planning, and investor relations. In Virginia, many operate within federal-contracting, technology, banking, and Fortune-500 environments, where they oversee reporting accuracy and financial compliance amid strict regulatory oversight. Their work supports long-term organizational stability, investment strategies, and cost control. Top CFOs also shape merger decisions, capital structure, and financial risk mitigation plans, earning compensation packages that include executive bonuses, incentive structures, and long-term performance-based rewards.
3. Chief Operating Officer (COO)
COOs direct daily operations, workflow optimization, and strategic execution to ensure organizations meet performance metrics and deliver sustainable growth. In Virginia, they often manage complex service environments, including defense contracting, logistics, healthcare networks, and technology companies. Their responsibilities include efficiency planning, talent oversight, vendor coordination, and enterprise process improvement. Compensation reflects their impact on productivity, supply chain operations, regulatory compliance, and business continuity. COOs often serve as second-in-command to CEOs, shaping strategic decisions and driving organizational transformation.
4. Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
CTOs lead technology vision, digital transformation, and innovation strategies. Virginia’s tech ecosystem — especially Northern Virginia’s cloud, AI, cybersecurity, and defense-tech sectors — demands advanced expertise in scalable IT infrastructure, secure systems design, and data-driven solutions. CTOs guide engineering teams, evaluate emerging technologies, oversee R&D investments, and ensure systems support business goals. They collaborate with executives to align technology with financial strategies, earning premium compensation for strategic innovation and technical leadership.
5. Chief Information Officer (CIO)
CIOs oversee information systems strategy, enterprise IT architecture, cybersecurity posture, and technology budgets. In Virginia’s government-integrated and defense-contracting markets, CIOs manage secure networks, compliance standards, and digital modernization initiatives. They also evaluate software investments, streamline IT service delivery, and lead multi-disciplinary technical teams. Their decisions directly influence operational efficiency, data security, and long-term technological competitiveness, resulting in strong compensation packages reflecting strategic importance and high-risk system oversight responsibilities.
6. Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
CISOs safeguard enterprise cybersecurity strategy, risk posture, and digital defense capabilities. In Virginia — home to high-security federal agencies and major defense contractors — CISOs implement advanced cyber controls, ensure regulatory compliance, oversee security audits, and lead incident-response operations. With cyber threats escalating, they balance operational continuity and data protection while managing large cybersecurity teams and technology investments. High compensation reflects extreme responsibility and necessary expertise in threat intelligence, encryption, and secure enterprise architecture.
7. Chief Medical Officer (CMO)
CMOs lead medical strategy, clinical quality oversight, and physician coordination across hospitals, healthcare systems, and specialty networks. In Virginia’s growing healthcare hubs, they ensure compliance, patient-care excellence, and operational efficiency. Their role bridges executive leadership and clinical practice, overseeing medical policies, credentialing, research initiatives, and care-delivery protocols. Compensation reflects responsibility for clinical outcomes, regulatory compliance, and budgeting for medical services, often paired with performance bonuses tied to patient metrics and operational efficiency goals.
8. Chief Legal Officer / General Counsel
General Counsel manage legal strategy, risk mitigation, regulatory compliance, and litigation oversight. In Virginia’s politically and federally active economy, they support government-contracting rules, data-security laws, corporate transactions, and intellectual-property protection. They advise executives on contracts, employment matters, mergers, and regulatory exposure. Their compensation reflects their role in safeguarding corporate interests, negotiating complex agreements, and navigating multi-jurisdictional legal frameworks, with bonuses tied to risk reduction and litigation outcomes.
9. Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)
CMOs lead brand strategy, digital campaigns, product positioning, and revenue-driven marketing initiatives. Virginia’s CMOs frequently operate in tech, healthcare, education, and finance industries, managing large budgets and analytical performance frameworks. They oversee creative teams, analytics divisions, and market research programs. Compensation reflects leadership in revenue growth, customer acquisition, brand expansion, and strategic communication, with equity or incentive bonuses tied to market performance and campaign success metrics.
10. Chief Risk Officer (CRO)
CROs manage enterprise risk frameworks, regulatory compliance, and financial exposure mitigation. In Virginia’s banking, insurance, defense, and tech sectors, CROs monitor cybersecurity vulnerabilities, operational risks, economic forecasts, and legal obligations. They oversee audits, safety policies, and crisis-response protocols. Their compensation reflects critical decision-making authority related to business protection, regulatory adherence, and strategic planning, making them essential in high-stakes industries with strict oversight standards.
11. Anesthesiologist
Anesthesiologists administer anesthesia during surgeries and monitor patient safety. In Virginia’s expanding hospital and specialty clinic network, they manage sedation, pain control, and emergency responses, requiring advanced training and acute critical-care skills. Their earnings reflect high demand, rigorous education, and essential roles in complex surgical procedures. Many receive additional compensation for trauma-call coverage, specialized certifications, and work in private practices or surgical centers.
12. Surgeon
Surgeons diagnose and treat medical conditions requiring operative procedures. In Virginia’s major medical systems, they perform high-complexity surgeries, manage pre- and post-operative care, and coordinate multidisciplinary teams. Compensation is driven by expertise, specialization, case volume, and emergency coverage. Surgeons often handle trauma, orthopedic, cardiovascular, or general surgical cases. Their responsibilities demand precision, extensive training, and continuous skill development, making surgery one of the state’s most prestigious and highest-earning professions.
13. Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Oral surgeons perform complex facial surgeries involving the jaw, mouth, teeth, and facial trauma cases. In Virginia, they work in surgical clinics, dental centers, and hospitals, managing extractions, reconstructive procedures, implants, and facial trauma treatment. Their compensation reflects specialized medical-dental training and high procedural demand. Many operate private practices, adding business management responsibilities. They often handle emergency cases, contributing to higher income potential through on-call work.
14. Orthodontist
Orthodontists correct dental alignment issues using braces, aligners, and orthodontic appliances. Virginia orthodontists benefit from steady patient demand across suburban and family-oriented regions. Earnings are strengthened by private practice ownership, aesthetic demand, and advanced certification. Responsibilities include diagnostic imaging, treatment planning, and long-term care monitoring. Their work blends medical expertise with cosmetic outcomes, contributing to strong compensation and high professional prestige in the dental field.
15. Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental health disorders, prescribing medications and conducting psychotherapy. Virginia’s demand for psychiatric professionals has risen due to population growth, military healthcare needs, and expanding behavioral-health programs. They work in hospitals, private practice, and government systems, often handling complex cases such as trauma, addiction, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Compensation reflects extensive training, high demand, and increased focus on mental-health services statewide.
16. Physician (General)
General physicians provide routine medical care, diagnostics, referrals, and preventative treatment. In Virginia, they serve diverse populations across suburban, urban, and rural regions. Their earnings reflect steady patient demand, outpatient services, and primary-care shortages in certain areas. They coordinate care, perform clinical exams, manage chronic conditions, and support early disease detection. Compensation varies by specialization, practice setting, and patient volume, with opportunities for earnings growth through private practice or hospital networks.
17. OB-GYN
OB-GYNs specialize in women’s reproductive health, prenatal care, and childbirth. They perform exams, deliver babies, provide gynecological surgeries, and support reproductive wellness. In Virginia, demand is strong across hospital systems, women’s clinics, and private practices. They handle emergency situations, high-risk pregnancies, and surgical procedures, requiring extensive training and long hours. Compensation reflects the essential and highly specialized nature of their work, including delivery-based income and surgical care fees.
18. Dentist
Dentists diagnose and treat oral health conditions, perform preventive procedures, and manage restorative dental care. In Virginia, they benefit from strong suburban populations and established healthcare networks. Many operate private practices, increasing earning potential through business ownership, cosmetic dentistry, and specialized services. Their responsibilities include patient evaluation, treatment planning, and advanced dental procedures. Earnings are influenced by patient volume, specialization, and practice location.
19. Podiatrist
Podiatrists specialize in treating foot and ankle conditions, performing surgeries, providing orthotic solutions, and managing sports-related injuries. In Virginia, they serve diverse populations, including older adults, athletes, and patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes. Their earnings reflect specialization, surgical capability, and demand within private practices and hospital systems. Responsibilities include diagnostics, corrective procedures, and long-term mobility care, contributing to strong professional demand and compensation.
20. Pharmacist
Pharmacists dispense medications, counsel patients, and ensure safe prescription practices. In Virginia’s hospital systems, retail pharmacies, and military medical facilities, pharmacists support medication management, clinical protocols, and patient education. Their responsibilities include reviewing prescriptions, advising physicians, and monitoring drug interactions. Compensation reflects advanced training and critical healthcare support roles. Many pharmacists pursue specialized clinical certifications, leading to increased earning potential in hospital and federal healthcare environments.
Top 100 Highest-Paid Jobs in Virginia (Full List)
| # | Job Title | Salary Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chief Executive Officer (CEO) | $250,000 – $700,000+ |
| 2 | Chief Financial Officer (CFO) | $200,000 – $400,000+ |
| 3 | Chief Operating Officer (COO) | $190,000 – $380,000+ |
| 4 | Chief Technology Officer (CTO) | $180,000 – $350,000+ |
| 5 | Chief Information Officer (CIO) | $175,000 – $340,000+ |
| 6 | Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) | $170,000 – $320,000+ |
| 7 | Chief Medical Officer (CMO) | $220,000 – $400,000+ |
| 8 | Chief Legal Officer / General Counsel | $200,000 – $400,000+ |
| 9 | Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) | $170,000 – $300,000+ |
| 10 | Chief Risk Officer (CRO) | $160,000 – $280,000+ |
| 11 | Anesthesiologist | $350,000 – $450,000+ |
| 12 | Surgeon | $320,000 – $420,000+ |
| 13 | Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon | $300,000 – $400,000+ |
| 14 | Orthodontist | $280,000 – $380,000+ |
| 15 | Psychiatrist | $250,000 – $320,000+ |
| 16 | Physician (General) | $220,000 – $300,000+ |
| 17 | OB-GYN | $230,000 – $310,000+ |
| 18 | Dentist | $180,000 – $250,000+ |
| 19 | Podiatrist | $160,000 – $220,000+ |
| 20 | Pharmacist | $120,000 – $150,000+ |
| 21 | Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | $180,000 – $220,000+ |
| 22 | Optometrist | $130,000 – $180,000+ |
| 23 | Physician Assistant | $110,000 – $140,000+ |
| 24 | Nurse Practitioner | $105,000 – $135,000+ |
| 25 | VP of Engineering | $200,000 – $350,000+ |
| 26 | VP of Product Management | $190,000 – $320,000+ |
| 27 | Cloud Architect (Principal) | $150,000 – $220,000+ |
| 28 | DevOps Director | $160,000 – $230,000+ |
| 29 | Cybersecurity Director | $150,000 – $220,000+ |
| 30 | Software Development Manager | $140,000 – $200,000+ |
| 31 | Principal Data Scientist | $140,000 – $190,000+ |
| 32 | IT Director | $130,000 – $190,000+ |
| 33 | Solutions Architect | $125,000 – $180,000+ |
| 34 | Principal Security Consultant | $120,000 – $175,000+ |
| 35 | Data Engineering Manager | $130,000 – $185,000+ |
| 36 | AI / ML Engineer | $120,000 – $170,000+ |
| 37 | Network Architect | $115,000 – $165,000+ |
| 38 | Lead Scrum Master | $100,000 – $140,000+ |
| 39 | Law Firm Partner | $250,000 – $1,000,000+ |
| 40 | Corporate General Counsel | $180,000 – $350,000+ |
| 41 | Patent Attorney | $150,000 – $250,000+ |
| 42 | Senior Litigation Attorney | $130,000 – $220,000+ |
| 43 | Senior Corporate Attorney | $120,000 – $200,000+ |
| 44 | VP of Finance | $160,000 – $250,000+ |
| 45 | Investment Banker (VP) | $180,000 – $300,000+ |
| 46 | Management Consultant (Partner) | $200,000 – $500,000+ |
| 47 | Senior Management Consultant | $120,000 – $180,000+ |
| 48 | Actuary (Fellow) | $130,000 – $200,000+ |
| 49 | FP&A Director | $140,000 – $210,000+ |
| 50 | Treasury Director | $135,000 – $200,000+ |
| 51 | Tax Director | $140,000 – $210,000+ |
| 52 | Accounting Director | $130,000 – $190,000+ |
| 53 | Senior Private Equity Associate | $150,000 – $250,000+ |
| 54 | VP of Engineering (Manufacturing) | $180,000 – $280,000+ |
| 55 | Principal Systems Engineer | $130,000 – $180,000+ |
| 56 | Engineering Manager | $120,000 – $170,000+ |
| 57 | Senior Electrical Engineer | $100,000 – $140,000+ |
| 58 | Senior Mechanical Engineer | $100,000 – $140,000+ |
| 59 | Senior Aerospace Engineer | $110,000 – $150,000+ |
| 60 | Senior Chemical Engineer | $105,000 – $145,000+ |
| 61 | Senior Civil Engineer / PM | $100,000 – $140,000+ |
| 62 | Senior Biomedical Engineer | $100,000 – $135,000+ |
| 63 | VP of Sales | $180,000 – $300,000+ |
| 64 | Regional Sales Director | $150,000 – $250,000+ |
| 65 | Enterprise Account Executive (Tech) | $120,000 – $220,000+ |
| 66 | Federal Business Development Director | $130,000 – $200,000+ |
| 67 | VP of Marketing | $160,000 – $240,000+ |
| 68 | Digital Marketing Director | $120,000 – $180,000+ |
| 69 | Marketing Analytics Director | $115,000 – $170,000+ |
| 70 | Airline Pilot (Captain) | $150,000 – $300,000+ |
| 71 | Commercial Pilot | $80,000 – $150,000+ |
| 72 | Air Traffic Controller | $120,000 – $180,000+ |
| 73 | Merchant Marine Ship Captain | $100,000 – $150,000+ |
| 74 | University Professor (Law/Medicine/Business) | $120,000 – $250,000+ |
| 75 | School Superintendent | $150,000 – $250,000+ |
| 76 | Architectural Manager | $130,000 – $180,000+ |
| 77 | Construction Manager | $100,000 – $150,000+ |
| 78 | Real Estate Development Director | $110,000 – $160,000+ |
| 79 | Supply Chain Director | $120,000 – $180,000+ |
| 80 | Logistics Director | $115,000 – $170,000+ |
| 81 | HR Director | $110,000 – $165,000+ |
| 82 | Compensation & Benefits Director | $115,000 – $170,000+ |
| 83 | PR Director | $100,000 – $150,000+ |
| 84 | Technical Program Manager | $110,000 – $160,000+ |
| 85 | Information Systems Manager | $115,000 – $165,000+ |
| 86 | Database Architect | $110,000 – $155,000+ |
| 87 | Network & Systems Administrator (Lead) | $90,000 – $130,000+ |
| 88 | Web Developer (Lead) | $100,000 – $140,000+ |
| 89 | Senior Statistician | $100,000 – $140,000+ |
| 90 | Senior Economist | $105,000 – $150,000+ |
| 91 | Senior Political Scientist | $100,000 – $140,000+ |
| 92 | Senior Physicist (R&D) | $110,000 – $160,000+ |
| 93 | Senior Mathematician | $105,000 – $150,000+ |
| 94 | Senior Environmental Engineer | $95,000 – $135,000+ |
| 95 | Senior Nuclear Engineer | $105,000 – $150,000+ |
| 96 | Senior Materials Scientist | $100,000 – $145,000+ |
| 97 | Senior Geoscientist | $95,000 – $140,000+ |
| 98 | Senior Hydrologist | $90,000 – $130,000+ |
| 99 | Urban/Regional Planning Manager | $85,000 – $120,000+ |
| 100 | Training & Development Manager | $95,000 – $135,000+ |
Closing
Virginia remains one of America’s most stable and prosperous job markets, offering elite earning potential across healthcare, defense, tech, and corporate leadership. Whether you’re pursuing a career in government services, cybersecurity, engineering, or medicine, the Commonwealth provides unmatched access to opportunity and long-term earning power.