Richmond Employment

Employment and Industries in the Richmond, Virginia Area

The Richmond economy is primarily powered by finance, the government and law. The city includes federal, state and local government agencies and noteworthy banking firms and law firms. Banking is a significant source of employment. Combined, services and the government provide over half of the jobs. Richmond is the headquarters of the Fifth Federal Reserve District. In addition, Market Watch ranked the Greater Richmond area as the third best city for business.

The insurance industry provides numerous jobs. Richmond includes the headquarters of GE Financial Services, Markel Corp, Anthem, Inc., and LandAmerica Financial Group. Diversified financial service firms also provide jobs. The concentration of educational facilities in the area also significantly contribute to the economy.

Manufacturing companies are important economic assets for Richmond. Prominent semiconductor and information technology companies contribute to the economy. The city is also a notable hub for advertising and advertising related companies. In addition, due to the area's historic sites, tourism is an integral part of the economy.

Richmond has the most Fortune 500 headquarters of any city in Virginia. The city has the headquarters of Fortune 500 companies such as CarMax, Dominion Resources, Owens & Minor, Performance Food Company, MeadWestvaco, Altria Group and Genworth Financial.

Fortune 500 companies with a notable presence in Richmond are Capital One Financial Corporation, SunTrust Banks Incorporated, Universal Corporation and McKesson. Dupont has a product facility in the city.

The notable Virginia BioTechnology Research Park has tenants such as government laboratories, research institutes and non-profit organizations. It also has biotechnology, bioscience and other related firms. The park supports research and development for medical diagnostics, environmental analysis, developing drugs, biomedical engineering and forensics.

The largest private employers in Greater Richmond:

  • Virginia Commonwealth University Health System - Healthcare
  • Capital One Financial Corp - Credit cards
  • HCA Inc - Healthcare
  • Walmart - Retail
  • Dominion Resources Inc - Energy
  • Bon Secours Richmond Health System - Healthcare
  • Altria Group Inc - Cigarettes
  • Wells Fargo & Co - Banking
  • Sun Trust Banks Inc - Banking
  • Ukrop's Super Markets Inc - Grocery Stores
  • WellPoint Inc - Health Insurance
  • DuPont - Chemicals/fibers
  • Bank of America Corp - Banking
  • Verizon Virginia Inc - Telecommunications
  • United Parcel Service Inc - Package Distribution
  • Food Lion LLC - Grocery Stores
  • Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond - Reserve Bank
  • Genworth Financial Inc - Insurance
  • The Kroger Company - Grocery stores
  • University of Richmond - Education

Shown below are the primary nonagricultural employment segments in Richmond:

  • Trade, transportation and public utilities
  • Government
  • Professional and business services
  • Educational and health services
  • Manufacturing
  • Financial activities
  • Leisure and hospitality

Noteworthy details about Richmond, Virginia: Adult residents which have earned a bachelor's degree or better: 30%. Cost of living index in 2008: 88.7 (U.S. average: 100). Estimated median household income in 2007: $38,000.

Richmond businesses can receive assistance from associations such as:

The Richmond Times Dispatch provides local business and economic news.

Jobs in Richmond

RankTitleTotal EmployeesLocal Mean Salary (Per Year)Local Mean Salary (Per hour)National Growth % 2014-2024
1All Occupations656320$52,620$25.3100
2Office and Administrative Support Occupations91930$40,640$19.5413.75
3Sales and Related Occupations67630$42,310$20.349.5
4Transportation and Material Moving Occupations56270$34,420$16.556.7
5Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations53010$23,970$11.538.7
6Business and Financial Operations Occupations49890$77,980$37.495.35
7Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations41890$85,800$41.255.85
8Educational Instruction and Library Occupations36830$54,180$26.056
9Construction and Extraction Occupations30070$45,280$21.774.6
10Production Occupations28560$40,190$19.325.6
11Management Occupations28220$130,290$62.646.35
12Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations26770$51,410$24.713.75
13Healthcare Support Occupations24680$28,950$13.922.85
14Computer and Mathematical Occupations23880$91,870$44.173
15Cashiers20780$21,820$10.492.2
16Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Occupations19960$28,040$13.483.6
17Protective Service Occupations18070$44,090$21.22.2
18Retail Salespersons16860$28,690$13.792.7
19Personal Care and Service Occupations15160$30,940$14.874.65
20Customer Service Representatives15010$36,000$17.311.75
21Fast Food and Counter Workers14940$20,560$9.882.45
22Office Clerks, General13060$36,800$17.691.9
23Registered Nurses13000$73,500$35.341.95
24Community and Social Service Occupations12990$47,780$22.971.75
25Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand12700$28,690$13.791.8
26Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers11530$43,920$21.111.2
27Waiters and Waitresses11400$23,500$11.31.65
28Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners9510$23,660$11.371.5
29Architecture and Engineering Occupations9150$85,350$41.031.7
30Home Health and Personal Care Aides8810$21,330$10.260
31General and Operations Managers8790$132,350$63.631.5
32Stockers and Order Fillers8670$27,530$13.241.25
33Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations8400$54,550$26.231.8
34Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks8020$42,330$20.351.05
35Accountants and Auditors7940$81,010$38.950.9
36First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers7390$60,770$29.220.95
37Nursing Assistants6850$28,240$13.580.95
38Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive6850$39,340$18.911.4
39Legal Occupations6500$100,020$48.090.8
40Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers6410$102,110$49.090.65
41Management Analysts6280$85,220$40.970.55
42Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations5880$69,280$33.310.8
43Cooks, Restaurant5840$25,140$12.090.9
44Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products5600$79,670$38.30.85
45Receptionists and Information Clerks5390$30,730$14.770.7
46Project Management Specialists and Business Operations Specialists, All Other5280$82,240$39.540.7
47Security Guards4980$27,880$13.40.7
48First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers4800$45,540$21.90.95
49Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks4750$35,300$16.970.4
50Maintenance and Repair Workers, General4740$42,360$20.360.9
51Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel4660$68,780$33.070.7
52Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers4460$33,480$16.10.75
53Light Truck Drivers4370$40,750$19.590.6
54First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers4240$34,280$16.480.6
55Construction Laborers4150$30,330$14.580.9
56Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses4090$46,130$22.180.5
57Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners3960$23,670$11.380.9
58Passenger Vehicle Drivers, Except Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity3940$30,750$14.790.3
59Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists3810$69,910$33.610.45
60First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers3770$62,500$30.050.4
61Food Preparation Workers3760$23,720$11.40.5
62Electricians3700$51,290$24.660.45
63Computer Systems Analysts3670$100,810$48.470.4
64Human Resources Specialists3600$70,320$33.810.4
65Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators3600$36,670$17.630.4
66Lawyers3390$144,400$69.420.5
67Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics3380$49,090$23.60.5
68Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers3320$56,710$27.270.4
69Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors3160$48,530$23.330.2
70Carpenters3080$45,090$21.680.6
71Substitute Teachers, Short-Term2940$29,620$14.240.4
72Buyers and Purchasing Agents2920$74,380$35.760.25
73Correctional Officers and Jailers2870$41,560$19.980.25
74Cooks, Fast Food2860$20,320$9.770.3
75First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers2830$70,600$33.940.3
76Packers and Packagers, Hand2680$23,580$11.340.4
77Counter and Rental Clerks2610$33,430$16.070.3
78Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric2580$179,490$86.290.3
79Medical Assistants2480$34,220$16.450.45
80Childcare Workers2470$22,030$10.590.7
81Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors2300$40,840$19.630.2
82Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks2280$46,170$22.20.2
83Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators2280$44,780$21.530.25
84Computer User Support Specialists2260$51,420$24.720.4
85Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders2260$35,260$16.950.2
86Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants2220$59,010$28.370.35
87First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers2210$70,420$33.860.4
88Paralegals and Legal Assistants2200$49,580$23.840.2
89Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators2190$31,660$15.220.8
90First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors2170$54,340$26.120.3
91Social and Human Service Assistants2170$31,190$150.3
92Training and Development Specialists2150$65,740$31.610.2
93Dishwashers2120$20,460$9.840.3
94Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers2070$47,690$22.930.2
95Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents2020$90,520$43.520.3
96Pharmacy Technicians2000$34,210$16.450.3
97Loan Officers1970$66,490$31.960.2
98Billing and Posting Clerks1950$39,610$19.040.3
99Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists1950$37,960$18.250.4
100Network and Computer Systems Administrators1950$91,160$43.830.2
Source: 2019 Occupational Employment Statistics and 2018-28 Employment Projections, Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS.gov
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Additional Details

Richmond Colleges
Richmond colleges and trade schools.

Jobs More Common Near Richmond Than Most Other Cities

* Average job popularity for metro areas = 1.0

TitleMean Local SalaryLocal Jobs
All Occupations$52,620656,320
Office and Administrative Support Occupations$40,64091,930
Sales and Related Occupations$42,31067,630
Transportation and Material Moving Occupations$34,42056,270
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations$23,97053,010
Business and Financial Operations Occupations$77,98049,890
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations$85,80041,890
Educational Instruction and Library Occupations$54,18036,830
Construction and Extraction Occupations$45,28030,070
Production Occupations$40,19028,560
Management Occupations$130,29028,220
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations$51,41026,770
Healthcare Support Occupations$28,95024,680
Computer and Mathematical Occupations$91,87023,880
Cashiers$21,82020,780
Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Occupations$28,04019,960
Protective Service Occupations$44,09018,070
Retail Salespersons$28,69016,860
Personal Care and Service Occupations$30,94015,160
Customer Service Representatives$36,00015,010
Fast Food and Counter Workers$20,56014,940
Office Clerks, General$36,80013,060
Registered Nurses$73,50013,000
Community and Social Service Occupations$47,78012,990
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand$28,69012,700
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers$43,92011,530
Waiters and Waitresses$23,50011,400
Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners$23,6609,510
Architecture and Engineering Occupations$85,3509,150
Home Health and Personal Care Aides$21,3308,810
General and Operations Managers$132,3508,790
Stockers and Order Fillers$27,5308,670
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations$54,5508,400
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks$42,3308,020
Accountants and Auditors$81,0107,940
First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers$60,7707,390
Nursing Assistants$28,2406,850
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive$39,3406,850
Legal Occupations$100,0206,500
Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers$102,1106,410
Management Analysts$85,2206,280
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations$69,2805,880
Cooks, Restaurant$25,1405,840
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products$79,6705,600
Receptionists and Information Clerks$30,7305,390
Project Management Specialists and Business Operations Specialists, All Other$82,2405,280
Security Guards$27,8804,980
First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers$45,5404,800
Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks$35,3004,750
Maintenance and Repair Workers, General$42,3604,740

Work Paying Relatively Well in the Richmond, Virginia Metro Area (2008 data)

* Average Salary Index for metro areas = 1.0

TitleMean Local SalaryLocal Jobs
All Occupations$52,620656,320
Office and Administrative Support Occupations$40,64091,930
Sales and Related Occupations$42,31067,630
Transportation and Material Moving Occupations$34,42056,270
Business and Financial Operations Occupations$77,98049,890
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations$85,80041,890
Educational Instruction and Library Occupations$54,18036,830
Construction and Extraction Occupations$45,28030,070
Production Occupations$40,19028,560
Management Occupations$130,29028,220
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations$51,41026,770
Healthcare Support Occupations$28,95024,680
Computer and Mathematical Occupations$91,87023,880
Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Occupations$28,04019,960
Protective Service Occupations$44,09018,070
Retail Salespersons$28,69016,860
Personal Care and Service Occupations$30,94015,160
Customer Service Representatives$36,00015,010
Office Clerks, General$36,80013,060
Registered Nurses$73,50013,000
Community and Social Service Occupations$47,78012,990
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand$28,69012,700
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers$43,92011,530
Architecture and Engineering Occupations$85,3509,150
General and Operations Managers$132,3508,790
Stockers and Order Fillers$27,5308,670
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations$54,5508,400
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks$42,3308,020
Accountants and Auditors$81,0107,940
First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers$60,7707,390
Nursing Assistants$28,2406,850
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive$39,3406,850
Legal Occupations$100,0206,500
Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers$102,1106,410
Management Analysts$85,2206,280
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations$69,2805,880
Cooks, Restaurant$25,1405,840
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products$79,6705,600
Receptionists and Information Clerks$30,7305,390
Project Management Specialists and Business Operations Specialists, All Other$82,2405,280
Security Guards$27,8804,980
First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers$45,5404,800
Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks$35,3004,750
Maintenance and Repair Workers, General$42,3604,740
Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel$68,7804,660
Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers$33,4804,460
Light Truck Drivers$40,7504,370
First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers$34,2804,240
Construction Laborers$30,3304,150
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses$46,1304,090

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