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Military Enlisted Salary in Richmond, VA β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Richmond's cost of living (index: 97). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Military Enlisted Salary in Richmond β€” Key Numbers

$39,770
Median Salary
$28,615
25th Percentile
$55,096
75th Percentile
$71,780
90th Percentile
National median (Military Enlisted)$41,000
vs. National median-3.0%
Richmond median household income$68,200
vs. City household income-41.7%

Cost of Living in Richmond

Cost of Living Index
97(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,287/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio38.8%
Annual rent cost$15,444
Median Home Price$310,000
Home Price / Salary7.8Γ—
20% Down Payment$62,000
Years to save (20% rate)7.8 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Richmond

3.4%
Unemployment Rate
1,310,000
Metro Population
25 min
Avg Commute
35.8
Median Age

Richmond has a metro population of 1,310,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 3.4% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Military Enlisted Salary β€” Other Virginia Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Military Enlisted make in Richmond, VA?

The estimated median salary for a Military Enlisted in Richmond is $39,770 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $41,000 adjusted by Richmond's cost of living index (97). The typical salary range runs from $28,615 (25th percentile) to $55,096 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $71,780.

Is Richmond affordable for a Military Enlisted?

On a $39,770 annual salary, a Military Enlisted in Richmond would spend approximately 38.8% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,287/month). This exceeds the 35% cost-burden threshold. Many Military Enlisteds in Richmond may find housing costs a significant financial pressure. The median home price of $310,000 is 7.8Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Military Enlisted's salary compare to Richmond's overall income?

Richmond's median household income is $68,200. A Military Enlisted earning the city-adjusted median of $39,770 earns 41.7% less than the typical Richmond household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Richmond has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.