Expert Data Engineer salary in Richmond, VA
Based on 10 certified H-1B filings at DOL wage level IV in the Richmond, VA metro area, FY2025–FY2026. Includes Mechanicsville, Glen Allen, Henrico, Chester, Chesterfield.
Also listed as: Database Architect, Data Architect
Salary range
| Percentile | Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th | $152,049 |
| 25th | $153,010 |
| 50th (median) | $158,000 |
| 75th | $167,600 |
| 90th | $187,000 |
Cost of living
Richmond's median expert Data Engineer salary of $158,000 is worth about $161,500 at national average prices.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (U.S. = 100; Richmond = 97.9).
Compared with all workers here
All Database Architects in the Richmond, VA area earned a median of $133,770 in May 2025 (440 employed). The H-1B median here is $158,000, 18% higher.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS metropolitan area estimates. BLS wages include some incentive pay; H-1B figures are base salary.
By experience level
| Wage level | Median | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level · Level I | $94,590 | 10 |
| Mid-level · Level II | $114,941 | 37 |
| Senior · Level III | $136,000 | 18 |
| Expert · Level IV | $158,000 | 10 |
Median shown when a level has at least 10 filings.
Minimum H-1B salary by level
| Wage level | Prevailing wage (most common) | Median offered salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level · Level I | $92,602 | $94,590 | 10 |
| Mid-level · Level II | $109,429 | $114,941 | 37 |
| Senior · Level III | $133,682 | $136,000 | 18 |
| Expert · Level IV | $152,443 | $158,000 | 10 |
The prevailing wage is the minimum an employer must pay for this job and area. Amounts vary by county within a metro and by wage source.