What is the average salary in Bristol, VA?
In Bristol, VA, job seekers can find a range of salary opportunities across different industries. The average yearly salary stands at $43,838. This figure represents the central point of the salary spectrum in the area. With this average as a benchmark, various industries offer differing compensation levels.
The distribution of salaries shows a spread across several sectors. The top industries include: professional and business services, healthcare, and education. These sectors tend to offer higher salaries. For example, jobs in professional and business services often pay around $66,065 per year. In contrast, roles in the retail and food service sectors typically offer lower salaries, averaging around $24,820 annually. Understanding this distribution helps job seekers align their skills with industries that match their salary expectations.
What are the best paying jobs in Bristol, VA?

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Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $74,151
Care for patients in the community and hospitals. Work with a team of healthcare providers. Opportunities exist in clinics, private practices, and nursing homes.
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Licensed Practical Nurse
Average Salary: $52,320
Provide basic medical care. Work in nursing homes, clinics, or hospitals. Monitor patients and report any changes to doctors.
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General Manager
Average Salary: $46,439
Oversee daily operations of a business. Manage staff and ensure smooth operations. Work in retail, restaurants, or hotels.
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Maintenance Technician
Average Salary: $45,729
Fix and maintain machines and equipment. Work in factories or offices. Ensure safety and efficiency of tools.
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Cashier
Average Salary: $34,505
Handle money and transactions in retail stores. Greet customers and provide excellent service. Work in grocery stores or convenience shops.
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Cook
Average Salary: $32,054
Prepare meals in restaurants or cafeterias. Follow recipes and ensure quality. Work in various settings including schools and hospitals.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $31,542
Specialize in cooking specific dishes quickly. Work in fast-paced kitchen environments. Follow strict procedures to ensure food safety.
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Server
Average Salary: $30,024
Serve food and drinks to customers in restaurants. Provide excellent customer service. Manage multiple tables and take orders.
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Team Member
Average Salary: $27,487
Perform various tasks to support the store or business. Assist customers and maintain the work environment. Opportunities in retail and food service.
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What are the best paying jobs in Bristol, VA without a degree?

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Sales Inspector
Average Salary: $125,938
This role involves inspecting products for quality. Responsibilities include checking for defects. Inspectors often work with manufacturing companies. Working with local businesses can be a rewarding experience.
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Meat Cutter
Average Salary: $39,384
In this role, individuals cut and prepare meat for sale. It requires attention to detail. This position is key in grocery stores and butcher shops. Cutting meat involves using various tools to ensure portions are perfect.
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Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $39,225
This job involves overseeing daily operations. Managers ensure smooth service. They work in dining establishments, ensuring customers have a pleasant experience. Managing a team and handling customer complaints are daily tasks.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $31,542
Cooks prepare meals in a fast-paced kitchen. They work in restaurants and food service. This job requires following recipes and cooking methods. Cooks must work well under pressure to keep orders on time.
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Food Service Aide
Average Salary: $30,446
These aides assist in preparing and serving food. They work in various dining settings. Aides clean and organize the kitchen area. They support cooks and servers, ensuring the kitchen runs smoothly.
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Server
Average Salary: $30,024
Servers take orders and deliver food to customers. They work in restaurants and cafes. Good communication skills are essential. Servers interact with guests, ensuring they have a good experience.
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Barista
Average Salary: $29,593
Baristas prepare coffee and other beverages. They work in coffee shops and cafes. Baristas must know how to operate coffee machines. They also create specialty drinks and provide excellent customer service.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $29,503
Housekeepers clean and maintain rooms. They work in hotels and motels. This job involves tidying up spaces. Housekeepers ensure that areas look neat and welcoming for guests.
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Kitchen Team Member
Average Salary: $27,863
Team members assist in various kitchen tasks. They work in restaurants and cafeterias. Duties include washing dishes and helping with food prep. Teamwork is important for keeping the kitchen efficient.
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Dishwasher
Average Salary: $27,474
Dishwasher’s clean dishes, utensils, and cookware. They work in kitchens, ensuring cleanliness. This role involves using dishwashers and washing by hand. Dishwashers must pay attention to detail to keep everything clean.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Bristol, VA?

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National HealthCare Corporation
Average Salary: $47,542
National HealthCare Corporation is a large healthcare provider. They offer many services like skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and more. They value their employees and strive to provide good pay.
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Sam's Club
Average Salary: $46,137
Sam’s Club is a membership-only warehouse club. They offer a wide range of products at competitive prices. Working here means being part of a well-established company.
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Hard Rock International
Average Salary: $43,159
Hard Rock International operates hotels, casinos, and restaurants worldwide. It is known for its lively atmosphere. Employees benefit from a dynamic work environment.
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Shearer's Foods, LLC
Average Salary: $42,785
Shearer's Foods, LLC is a food processing company. They produce a variety of products, including frozen foods. They offer competitive pay and a stable work environment.
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Arby's
Average Salary: $33,190
Arby’s is a well-known fast-food chain. It offers a variety of sandwiches and sides. The company provides a welcoming work environment with decent pay.
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K-VA-T Food City
Average Salary: $31,806
K-VA-T Food City is a regional grocery store chain. They offer a wide selection of products. Working here means being part of a company that values its employees.
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GPM Investments
Average Salary: $28,367
GPM Investments is a real estate investment firm. They focus on residential and commercial properties. They offer a stable work environment with good compensation.
How does the cost of living in Bristol, VA compare to the national average?

The cost of living index for Bristol, VA, stands at 89, which is slightly below the nationwide average of 100. This means that overall expenses in Bristol are about 11% less than the national average. Housing costs are the most significant contributor to this lower index, with a rate of 81. This indicates that housing in Bristol is 19% cheaper than the national average.
Compared to other categories, groceries in Bristol are priced at 93, just 7% below the average. Utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous items also show a slight decrease in cost, ranging from 5% to 10% below the national average. For instance, utilities cost 95, which is 5% less, while transportation is at 88, 12% lower. These figures make Bristol an attractive option for cost-conscious job seekers looking to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.



