Nestled on the East Coast, Virginia presents a range of opportunities for business professionals navigating the diverse field of business administration. From orchestrating seamless supply chains and overseeing operations to fostering entrepreneurship and guiding organizations, the Old Dominion State offers a sprawling landscape for business administration careers.
In this article, we delve into the specifics of business administrator salaries in Virginia, focusing on key roles such as supply chain management, operations management, general management, entrepreneurship and leadership positions. Additionally, we will examine the educational prerequisites for success, delve into the cost of living in Virginia, explore relevant professional associations and discuss fair pay laws.
There are roughly 92,650 people employed as general and operations managers in Virginia, says the BLS. The median wage per hour is $58 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 4.2%.
Some of the biggest employers of business administration professionals in the state are located in Falls Church and McLean and include:
Northrop Grumman (Technology/Defense):
Falls Church, VA. A major employer in Virginia, Northrop Grumman provides opportunities for operations managers and supply chain professionals, contributing significantly to the state's defense and technology sectors.
Inova Health System (Healthcare):
Falls Church, VA. As a prominent healthcare institution, Inova Health System offers leadership opportunities in healthcare administration and management in any of several locations or the BioCore Laboratories.
Capital One (Finance/Technology):
McLean, VA. Supply chain managers can explore opportunities at Capital One, a Fortune 500 financial institution with a significant presence in Virginia.
LMI (Consulting):
Tysons, VA. For entrepreneurial ventures in consulting and research, LMI serves as a hub for innovation and business development.
Business administration salary in Virginia statistics
While the median salary for business administration professionals—a field in which the BLS includes management, sales, marketing, HR, insurance and purchasing among other business and finance areas—is just over $76,850 a year according to the BLS, pay may vary depending upon several factors, including where you work, how much experience you have and your level of education.
Virginia's business administration landscape is marked by competitive salaries influenced by industry dynamics, experience and the unique demands of each role. Drawing on data from the BLS:
Entrepreneurs:
Virginia's entrepreneurial spirit thrives, with successful business owners realizing returns in the six-figure range or beyond. The state's business-friendly environment supports innovation and business growth.
Leadership roles:
High-ranking executives, such as CEOs and CFOs, can anticipate salaries exceeding $180,000, particularly in industries like technology, defense and finance.
Operations and general managers:
In Virginia, general and operations managers command salaries ranging from $110,000 to $140,000 annually, with opportunities prevalent in sectors such as technology, healthcare and government contracting.
Logisticians/Supply chain managers:
Professionals leading the logistics and supply chain domain in Virginia enjoy salaries between $95,000 and $120,000 per year. The state's strategic location and diverse industries create ample opportunities for these professionals.
Median business administration salary in Virginia
The median annual salary for general and operations managers in Virginia is $121,050, which is higher than the national median. However, it's important to note that salaries may vary and be higher due to the fact that Virginia is located next to Washington DC, which has a high cost of living—39% higher than the national average—and salaries need to compensate for that.
General and Operations Managers
10%$55,240
25%$77,520
50%$121,050Median
75%$171,550
90%N/A
Median Hourly Wage$58
Job growth4.2%
Total Employment92,650
Metro area
Median Salary
Bottom 10%
Top 10%
Richmond, VA
$105,190
$54,380
$222,330
Charlottesville, VA
$105,030
$53,520
$219,770
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
$103,020
$49,080
$203,100
Staunton-Waynesboro, VA
$96,200
$49,820
$205,350
Winchester, VA-WV
$95,870
$49,280
$199,680
Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA
$94,050
$47,760
$202,590
Roanoke, VA
$93,370
$48,630
$212,470
Harrisonburg, VA
$87,950
$48,920
$195,420
Lynchburg, VA
$86,350
$48,200
$210,410
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2023 median salary; projected job growth through 2032. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Salary range for a business administration career in Virginia
The salary range for general and operations professionals in Virginia typically spans from $55,240 to $171,550 per year. This accounts for entry-level positions to senior-level roles and takes into consideration other factors such as experience, education and time in the position.
Pay by metro area within the state of Virginia
Your earning level may depend upon where you live within a state. For example, cities like Lynchburg or Richmond tend to pay better than rural or less populated areas. If your city is an industry hub, say you work in business and live in a city with several high-profile corporate businesses or healthcare industries, pay may be more competitive.
Virginia's Arlington and Alexandria metro areas rank third (along with Washington, DC) for the highest employment level of operations and general managers in the country. Here are the top metro areas for operations managers.
Metro Area
Median Annual Salary
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
$166,660
Trenton, NJ
$154,790
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
$143,250
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
$142,730
Sioux Falls, SD
$139,070
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA
$138,630
Boulder, CO
$135,850
Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT
$134,530
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
$134,040
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
$133,220
Factors affecting your business administration salary in Virginia
Several factors can influence the salary potential in the business administration field in Tennessee. These factors may include:
Experience:
Business admin experience is a key determinant of salary. Operations and general managers with a proven track record may receive higher compensation, reflecting their expertise in navigating challenges.
Industry:
Virginia's diverse industries, including technology, healthcare and government contracting, impact salaries. Professionals in sectors with higher demands or complexities often command higher compensation.
Geographic location:
The specific region within Virginia can influence salaries. Urban centers like Northern Virginia may offer higher salaries due to the concentration of major industries.
Company size:
The size of the employing company is a crucial factor. Larger corporations, particularly in technology and defense, may offer higher salaries for management and leadership roles.
Economy:
Virginia's economic conditions and industry trends impact salaries. During periods of economic growth or high demand for skilled professionals, salaries tend to rise.
How can I know if I am being paid fairly in Virginia?
Ensuring fair compensation for your business job in Virginia involves leveraging various resources and strategies to assess industry standards and market trends. Here are some valuable resources and steps to help you determine if you are being paid fairly:
Salary research websites: Explore online platforms like Glassdoor, Payscale and Indeed. These websites provide salary data, company reviews and insights into compensation trends. Compare your salary against industry averages and similar roles in your area.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS offers occupational employment and wage data, providing information on median salaries and industry-specific earnings. You can access the BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) for Virginia to gauge the average salaries in your field.
Networking and professional associations: Connect with professionals in your industry through networking events, LinkedIn or industry-specific associations. Engage in conversations about salary trends, job responsibilities and expectations to gather valuable insights.
Surveys and reports: Look for industry-specific salary surveys or reports published by professional associations, trade publications or consulting firms. These reports often provide detailed information on compensation benchmarks for different roles.
Company policies: Review your company's policies on compensation and benefits. Schedule a confidential discussion with your Human Resources department to understand the factors influencing your current pay and inquire about the possibility of salary reviews.
State and federal labor laws: Familiarize yourself with state and federal labor laws to understand your rights regarding fair pay. If you suspect wage discrimination or unfair practices, you may consider seeking guidance from the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry.
Individual performance: Evaluate your own performance, achievements and contributions to the company. If you have taken on additional responsibilities or achieved notable results, this could be a basis for discussing a salary adjustment.
Remember that fair compensation is multifaceted, considering factors such as experience, education, industry demand and company performance. Regularly assess your compensation using a combination of these resources and, when appropriate, consider negotiating your salary based on your findings.
Education and training in VA
Navigating the business administration career path in Virginia often involves specific educational credentials. Based on industry norms and BLS recommendations:
Degrees in logistics, supply chain management or a related field are commonly sought, with specialized certifications adding value.
Leadership roles:
Executives in leadership positions may hold advanced degrees such as an MBA or master's degree, coupled with extensive industry experience.
Entrepreneurs:
While not strictly tied to formal education, entrepreneurs can benefit from knowledge gained through general business degrees, accounting and finance courses and practical experiences.
Cost of living considerations for Virginia
Understanding the cost of living in Virginia is crucial for assessing the overall compensation package. Virginia offers a cost of living index slightly above the national average, making it an attractive state for professionals. Cities like Arlington and Richmond provide diverse housing options, contributing to the state's appeal.
RentCafe assesses Virginia's cost of living at 1% higher than the national average—with housing at 4% higher and healthcare at 2% higher, which equates to a favorable economic environment due to the fact that the average isn't overly high, and salaries are good for business admin careers in the state.
Take a look at the cost of living in some major Virginia cities. Arlington and Alexandria are closely aligned to the Washington, DC area, which accounts for the high cost of living average:
City
Cost of living percentage
Alexandria
36% higher
Arlington
41% higher
Charlottesville
3% higher
Richmond
3% lower
Roanoke
8% lower
Virginia professional associations for business administrators
These associations provide valuable networking opportunities, continuing education and development resources and a platform for industry professionals to stay updated on the latest trends and best practices in their respective fields. It's always a good idea to explore their websites, attend events and consider joining to enhance your professional growth and connect with like-minded individuals in Tennessee.
HR Virginia (Society for Human Resource Management): Partneringin uniting and supporting HR communities, organizations and the people they serve.
Virginia Council of CEOs–Executive Roundtable: Revolves around peer roundtables, where local leaders share the benefit of their diverse experience in a confidential, small group format.
Virginia Economic Development Partnership: Virginia's diverse ecosystem of distribution and supply chain operations is made up of more than 4,600 supply chain companies.
In the dynamic and diverse business environment of Virginia, staying informed about salary norms empowers professionals to navigate their careers with confidence. Regularly assess your compensation using these resources and, when appropriate, initiate conversations to ensure that your pay aligns with your skills and contributions.
Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about your career path, negotiating salaries and for setting realistic expectations for your educational and professional future.
Find business administration salaries for other states
Learn what you may be able to earn in your state, how the cost of living and other factors could impact your pay, why education matters—especially in business administration leadership roles—and much more.
