What the numbers say
About 5,630 Project Management Specialists work in the Richmond metro, making it a sizable local market for the occupation. The median annual wage in 2024 was $100,540, which sits just under the national median of $100,946 and noticeably below the Virginia median of $114,990. That 12.5% gap below the state figure is worth paying attention to, since Northern Virginia's concentration of federal contractors pulls the statewide number up considerably.
The spread between low and high earners is wide. The 10th percentile came in at $60,220 while the 90th reached $160,160. Top earners in Richmond take home roughly 2.7 times what those at the bottom do. That range reflects real variation in seniority, industry, and the complexity of projects someone manages, not just experience alone.
The mean wage of $105,760 runs about $5,200 above the median. A smaller group of higher-paid specialists pull the average up, so the median gives a cleaner read on what someone in the middle of the field actually earns here.
For a mid-sized metro, Richmond's employment count is substantial. Five thousand six hundred roles spread across government agencies, financial services, health systems, and defense-adjacent contractors gives the market real depth, even if the headline pay sits below what peers in the DC corridor report.
Salary distribution
Where Richmond project management specialists fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $78,060 and $132,790, with a median of $102,170.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
Less than 5 years
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
Common tasks (O*NET)
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How the Richmond metro compares to other major Virginia metro areas for project management specialists.
- Virginia Beach$104,920
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Project Management Specialists in Richmond, Virginia?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Project Management Specialists in the Richmond metropolitan area is $102,170.
- Does Richmond pay more than the Virginia state average for Project Management Specialists?
- The Richmond metro median is -15.5% versus the Virginia state median of $120,840.
- How does Richmond compare to the national median for Project Management Specialists?
- The Richmond metro median is -2.7% versus the BLS national figure of $104,968.
- What is the salary range for Project Management Specialists in Richmond?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $62,390 and the 90th-percentile at $163,150 for the Richmond metro area.
- What education is required for Project Management Specialists?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Richmond CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.