Virginia Career Planning & Job Market

Leverage Virginia's strategic location and diverse economy to launch your successful career in government, technology, defense, and emerging industries.

Virginia's Leading Industries

Government

Federal & State Sector

Nation's capital region offers unparalleled government and public service opportunities.

Key Sectors:

  • • Federal agencies and departments
  • • Policy analysis and research
  • • International relations
  • • Public administration
  • • Regulatory affairs
Avg. Salary: $75,000+
Defense & Security

National Security Hub

Leading defense contracting and cybersecurity center with Pentagon proximity.

Key Sectors:

  • • Defense contracting
  • • Cybersecurity services
  • • Intelligence analysis
  • • Aerospace engineering
  • • Military logistics
Avg. Salary: $90,000+
Technology

Innovation & Startups

Growing tech ecosystem in Northern Virginia and Richmond with global companies.

Key Sectors:

  • • Software development
  • • Cloud computing
  • • Data analytics
  • • Artificial intelligence
  • • Fintech solutions
Avg. Salary: $95,000+
Financial Services

Banking & Investment

Strong financial sector with regional banks and investment firms.

Key Sectors:

  • • Corporate banking
  • • Investment management
  • • Insurance services
  • • Real estate finance
  • • Credit analysis
Avg. Salary: $80,000+
Healthcare

Medical & Research

Major healthcare systems and medical research institutions throughout the state.

Key Sectors:

  • • Clinical medicine
  • • Medical research
  • • Healthcare administration
  • • Biotechnology
  • • Public health
Avg. Salary: $85,000+
Consulting

Professional Services

Major consulting firms serving government and private sector clients.

Key Sectors:

  • • Management consulting
  • • IT consulting
  • • Strategy and operations
  • • Government contracting
  • • Business analysis
Avg. Salary: $85,000+

Virginia Regional Job Markets

Northern Virginia

Washington DC Metro Area

Major Employers

  • • Booz Allen Hamilton
  • • Lockheed Martin
  • • General Dynamics
  • • Amazon Web Services
  • • Capital One
  • • Deloitte

Thriving Sectors

  • • Government contracting
  • • Cybersecurity
  • • Consulting services
  • • Technology development
  • • Intelligence analysis
  • • Policy research

Average Salary Range: $80,000 - $200,000+ with security clearance premiums

Richmond & Central Virginia

State Capital & Business Hub

Major Employers

  • • Dominion Energy
  • • Altria Group
  • • CarMax
  • • VCU Health
  • • State Government
  • • Genworth Financial

Thriving Sectors

  • • State government
  • • Healthcare services
  • • Financial services
  • • Energy sector
  • • Higher education
  • • Manufacturing

Average Salary Range: $55,000 - $120,000+ with lower cost of living

Internships & Career Development

University Career Centers

Comprehensive career services leveraging Virginia's proximity to major employers.

Services Offered:

  • • Government career preparation
  • • Security clearance guidance
  • • DC networking events
  • • Federal job application help
  • • Alumni connections
Internship Programs

Excellent internship opportunities with government agencies and defense contractors.

Program Types:

  • • Federal government internships
  • • Defense contractor programs
  • • Congressional internships
  • • Think tank opportunities
  • • Tech company programs
Professional Networks

Strong alumni networks in government and private sector providing career advancement.

Networking Opportunities:

  • • DC alumni chapters
  • • Government professional associations
  • • Industry conferences
  • • Policy forums
  • • Security clearance networks

Virginia Employment & Salary Data

Graduate Employment Rates
93%
UVA Employment Rate
88%
Virginia Tech Employment Rate

Employment Timeline:

  • • 6 months post-graduation: 85%+ employed
  • • 12 months post-graduation: 90%+ employed
  • • High retention in Virginia region
  • • Strong government sector placement
Starting Salary Ranges by Field
Computer Science$85,000 - $140,000
Engineering$75,000 - $110,000
Government/Policy$55,000 - $85,000
Finance$65,000 - $95,000
Healthcare$55,000 - $90,000
Business$50,000 - $75,000

Career Planning Resources

Government Career Resources

  • USAJobs.gov

    Official federal government job portal

  • Presidential Management Fellows

    Leadership development program for graduate students

  • Security Clearance Jobs

    Specialized job boards for cleared positions

Professional Development

  • Security Clearance Process

    Understanding and obtaining government clearances

  • Professional Certifications

    Industry-specific credentials and training

  • Continuing Education

    Graduate programs and professional development

Ready to Launch Your Virginia Career?

Let CollegeCompass help you connect your education to Virginia's unique career opportunities in government, technology, and beyond.