As of June 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Principal Data Scientist in Virginia is $182,287, equivalent to $88 per hour, $3,506 weekly, or $15,191 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Principal Data Scientist in cities like San Jose, Santa Clara, and San Francisco.
Annually Salaries for Principal Data Scientist in Virginia vary widely, spanning from $157,626 to $200,785. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($169,378) and 75th percentile ($191,969), while top earners (90th percentile) make $200,785 per year. This $22,591 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Analysis or Computer Science, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.
Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, Virginia Principal Data Scientist often earn 0.7% higher than national averages due to demand from Fortune 61 companies. However, Virginia currently ranks 18 nationwide for Principal Data Scientist job salary. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.
