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AI/ML Scientist Salary in Virginia

How much does an AI/ML Scientist make in Virginia? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an AI/ML Scientist in Virginia is $132,113 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $64.

However, an AI/ML Scientist's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $164,945
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $119,724 to $149,299
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $108,445
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out AI/ML Scientist Job Openings in Virginia

Key Factors That Influence AI/ML Scientist Salaries

An AI/ML Scientist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects AI/ML Scientist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an AI/ML Scientist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $124,578
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $124,938
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $127,275
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $134,500
  • Expert (over 8 years): $136,887
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level AI/ML Scientist less than 1 year $124,578
Early Career Level AI/ML Scientist 1-2 years $124,938
Mid-Level Level AI/ML Scientist 2-4 years $127,275
Senior-Level Level AI/ML Scientist 5-8 years $134,500
Expert Level AI/ML Scientist over 8 years $136,887

How Do AI/ML Scientist Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract AI/ML Scientists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $145,259.
  • California: $144,708.
  • Massachusetts: $142,780.

Top Paying Cities for AI/ML Scientist

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Ivanhoe: $121,500
  • Lambsburg: $121,758
  • Laurel Fork: $121,895

AI/ML Scientist Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For AI/ML Scientist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Healthcare sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, AI/ML Scientist positions in Retail & Wholesale or MFG Durable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view AI/ML Scientist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an AI/ML Scientist

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking $184,959 $89.0 40%
Healthcare $171,747 $83.0 30%
Biotechnology $158,536 $76.0 20%
Energy & Utilities $145,325 $70.0 10%

AI/ML Scientist Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an AI/ML Scientist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$119,724
Average $132,113/year
$149,299
$9,977
Average $11,009/month
$12,442
$2,302
Average $2,541/week
$2,871
$58
Average $64/hour
$72
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $149,299 $12,442 $2,871 $72
Average $132,113 $11,009 $2,541 $64
25th Percentile $119,724 $9,977 $2,302 $58

Find Your Next AI/ML Scientist Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current AI/ML Scientist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • MountainStar Healthcare | CEDAR PASS, UT

    Medical Laboratory Scientist

    MountainStar Healthcare | CEDAR PASS, UT

    MountainStar Healthcare is seeking a Medical Lab Scientist to join our Laboratory Services team. In this role, you will perform routine and complex diagnos... more

    2 Days Ago

  • Sonora Quest Laboratories | WORLAND, WY

    Medical Laboratory Scientist

    Sonora Quest Laboratories | WORLAND, WY

    Sonora Quest Laboratories is seeking a Medical Laboratory Scientist I to perform high-quality diagnostic testing within a tech-driven lab environment. You ... more

    3 Days Ago

  • Avera Health | YANKTON, SD

    Medical Laboratory Scientist

    Avera Health | YANKTON, SD

    Avera Health is seeking a detail-oriented Medical Laboratory Technician/Scientist to join our Laboratory Services team. In this role, you will perform rout... more

    3 Days Ago

  • Essentia Health | JAMESTOWN, ND

    Medical Laboratory Technician or Scientist

    Essentia Health | JAMESTOWN, ND

    Essentia Health is seeking a Medical Laboratory Technician or Scientist to perform accurate, timely diagnostic testing that supports high-quality, patient-... more

    3 Days Ago

  • Cache Valley Hospital | NORTH LOGAN, UT

    Medical Lab Scientist

    Cache Valley Hospital | NORTH LOGAN, UT

    Cache Valley Hospital seeks a Medical Lab Scientist to perform accurate and timely testing that supports patient diagnosis and treatment. In this role, you... more

    3 Days Ago

  • MountainStar Healthcare | TAYLORSVILLE, UT

    Medical Laboratory Scientist

    MountainStar Healthcare | TAYLORSVILLE, UT

    MountainStar Healthcare is seeking a Medical Laboratory Scientist to join our Laboratory Services team within our regional network of hospitals and clinics... more

    3 Days Ago

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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