ScienceUpdated Q1 2026

Biochemist Salary
in Richmond, VA

Study the chemical processes within and related to living organisms. Median salary in Richmond: $86K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$86K
per year
Take-home: $56K

Salary range in Richmond

Entry level (25th)$61,000
Median (50th)$86,000
Senior (75th)$120,000
Top earner (90th)$159,000
Data freshness

Figures represent annual base salary in Richmond, Virginia. Reviewed by SalaryOptics Editorial · How we calculate this →

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What the numbers say for Richmond

Analysis derived from the salary, COL, tax, and labor-market figures above — specific to this role and city.

2% discount vs national median

Biochemists in Richmond earn approximately 2% lower than the US national median for this role — a $2,000 discount on annual base salary. Richmond's lower wage level partially reflects the area's cost-of-living index of 98 (US avg = 100).

Rent eats 29% of take-home

Average 1-bedroom rent in Richmond ($1,350/mo) consumes approximately 29% of an after-tax median Biochemist salary. Financial planners typically recommend keeping housing under 30% of take-home — a salary at the 75th percentile ($120K) brings that ratio into a more comfortable range here.

Key facts for Richmond

Median salary
$86K
annual
Take-home pay
$56K
after fed/state tax
COL index
98
100 = US avg
State income tax
5.75%
effective rate
Avg 1BR rent
$1,350
per month
YoY growth
+4.2%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Richmond Biochemist to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $86K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast — Richmond

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Biochemist salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED →$72K$78K$85K$91K$97K201920212023202520272029
2026
$88K
projected
2027
$90K
projected
2028
$93K
projected
2029
$95K
projected
2030
$97K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$86,000+$0
2028 projected$86,000+$0
2029 projected$86,000+$0
2030 projected$86,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Biochemist Salary in Richmond, Virginia: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Biochemist salary in Richmond, VA is $86,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Richmond–VA metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Biochemist in Richmond

Entry-level Biochemists in Richmond with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $61,000 and $86,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $86,000 to $120,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $120,000 to $159,000 or more.

Cost of living in Richmond for Biochemists

Richmond has a cost of living index of 98 compared to the US national average of 100. This means your salary goes approximately 2% further in Richmond than the national average. Virginia has a 5.75% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Biochemist

Bachelor's or PhD in Biochemistry. 25% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Biochemist salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Richmond (current)$86K98
Virginia Beach$88K98
Norfolk$84K95
Chesapeake$86K98
Newport News$84K95
Arlington$110K148