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Professor 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.

Professor Salary in Richmond β€” Key Numbers

$81,849
Median Salary
$55,872
25th Percentile
$118,786
75th Percentile
$163,852
90th Percentile
National median (Professor)$84,380
vs. National median-3.0%
Richmond median household income$68,200
vs. City household income+20.0%

Cost of Living in Richmond

Cost of Living Index
97(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,287/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio18.9%
Annual rent cost$15,444
Median Home Price$310,000
Home Price / Salary3.8Γ—
20% Down Payment$62,000
Years to save (20% rate)3.8 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.

Professor Salary β€” Other Virginia Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Professor make in Richmond, VA?

The estimated median salary for a Professor in Richmond is $81,849 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $84,380 adjusted by Richmond's cost of living index (97). The typical salary range runs from $55,872 (25th percentile) to $118,786 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $163,852.

Is Richmond affordable for a Professor?

On a $81,849 annual salary, a Professor in Richmond would spend approximately 18.9% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,287/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Richmond relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $310,000 is 3.8Γ— the annual salary.

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

Richmond's median household income is $68,200. A Professor earning the city-adjusted median of $81,849 earns 20.0% more than the typical Richmond household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

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.