What a safety / EHS manager earns in Virginia — an estimated median of about $95,000 per year — plus who regulates workplace safety in the state and how to push your pay higher.
In Virginia, a safety or EHS manager earns an estimated median of about $95,000 per year, with most roles falling between $74,100 and $128,250. These figures are estimates anchored on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES, May 2024 release) national median for occupational health & safety specialists — $83,910 (SOC 19-5011) — scaled to Virginia’s wage level. Actual pay depends on industry, employer size, certifications and years of experience. Defense, shipbuilding (Newport News), and data centers; Virginia OSH (VOSH) covers private and public employers.
Virginia runs its own OSHA-approved State Plan (VOSH), which covers both private-sector and state/local government employers and can set standards stricter than federal OSHA. Safety managers here must comply with the state plan, not just federal rules.
The largest concentrations of EHS and safety-manager roles in Virginia are around Virginia Beach, Richmond, Arlington, driven by the state’s main industries.
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See also: national salary guide · certification roadmap · all states
How much does a safety manager make in Virginia?
In Virginia, a safety or EHS manager earns an estimated median of about $95,000 per year, with a typical range of $74,100 to $128,250 depending on industry, experience, employer size and certifications. Figures are estimates anchored on BLS OES data.
Does Virginia have its own OSHA?
Virginia runs its own OSHA-approved State Plan (VOSH), which covers both private-sector and state/local government employers and can set standards stricter than federal OSHA. Safety managers here must comply with the state plan, not just federal rules.
How can I increase my safety salary in Virginia?
Earn a recognised certification (the BCSP CSP can add roughly $20,000+ over the uncertified baseline), move into higher-paying industries such as oil & gas, chemicals or construction, take on multi-site or director scope, and build experience. Use the free salary estimator to model your own number.
Salary figures are estimates derived from BLS national OES data scaled to state wage levels — not a guarantee or an offer. Verify current local data with BLS and employers. ← All states · Home