What is the average salary in Salem, VA?
Salem, VA, offers a variety of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary in the area is $56,966. This figure reflects the income potential across different industries and roles. With a range of positions available, job seekers can find roles that match their skills and experience.
The salary distribution shows a clear trend. The largest percentage of workers, about 26%, earn around $26,800 annually. This is followed by those earning approximately $37,273, making up about 22.6% of the workforce. Further up the scale, smaller groups earn more, with the highest percentage earning over $131,500 per year. These figures suggest a wide range of earning potentials in Salem, VA.
What are the best paying jobs in Salem, VA?

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Traveling Nurse
Average Salary: $97,349
As a traveling nurse, you provide care in various settings. Hospitals and clinics in Salem often need your skills. Travel assignments offer diverse experiences.
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Surgical Technician
Average Salary: $96,563
You assist in surgeries, ensuring the operating room is sterile. Many hospitals and surgical centers in Salem rely on your expertise. Working with surgeons and nurses, you play a key role in patient care.
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Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $96,326
RNs offer care and support to patients. Salem’s healthcare facilities often seek dedicated nurses. You’ll work in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care settings, making a real difference in people's lives.
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Radiologic Technologist
Average Salary: $81,192
You operate imaging equipment to help diagnose conditions. Hospitals and diagnostic centers in Salem need skilled technologists. You’ll work with doctors to produce clear images for accurate medical assessments.
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General Manager
Average Salary: $79,180
As a general manager, you oversee daily operations at businesses. Retail stores, restaurants, and hotels in Salem often seek leaders like you. You’ll manage staff, handle finances, and ensure customer satisfaction.
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Licensed Practical Nurse
Average Salary: $59,779
LPNs provide basic medical care and support patients. Healthcare facilities in Salem often look for compassionate LPNs. You’ll work closely with doctors and other nurses to ensure patient comfort and care.
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Maintenance Technician
Average Salary: $52,683
You repair and maintain equipment in various settings. Schools, offices, and healthcare facilities in Salem need skilled technicians. You’ll ensure that systems run smoothly and safely.
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Medical Assistant
Average Salary: $46,587
You assist doctors and nurses in clinics. Healthcare providers in Salem often seek reliable medical assistants. Your duties include taking patient histories and preparing for exams.
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Auto Body Technician
Average Salary: $43,852
You repair vehicle damage and ensure cars look new. Auto repair shops in Salem often need your skills. You’ll work with tools and technology to fix dents and paint jobs.
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Emergency Medical Technician
Average Salary: $41,793
EMTs provide immediate care to those in crisis. Hospitals and emergency services in Salem often look for quick-thinking EMTs. You’ll respond to calls, stabilize patients, and transport them to medical facilities.
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What are the best paying jobs in Salem, VA without a degree?

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Loader
Average Salary: $40,958
Helps move goods and materials within a warehouse or store. Works with businesses needing to manage inventory. Positions available with companies like local grocery stores and distribution centers.
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Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $39,063
Oversees the daily operations of a restaurant. Manages staff, schedules shifts, and ensures customer satisfaction. Opportunities exist with popular dining spots and chain restaurants.
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Barista
Average Salary: $31,648
Prepares coffee and other beverages in cafes. Serves customers quickly and accurately. Works for coffee shops and local eateries looking for skilled baristas.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $30,419
Prepares ingredients and cooks meals in a fast-paced kitchen. Works in teams to meet customer orders. Positions available with fast food chains and family-style restaurants.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $29,875
Cleans and maintains guest rooms in hotels and motels. Ensures a comfortable environment for visitors. Job openings with hotels and hospitality businesses.
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Dishwasher
Average Salary: $29,682
Cleans dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. Works in a busy kitchen environment. Opportunities with restaurants and cafes needing reliable dishwashers.
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Server
Average Salary: $28,573
Takes food orders and serves meals to customers. Ensures a pleasant dining experience. Job openings with various dining establishments.
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Server Assistant
Average Salary: $27,247
Supports servers by setting up tables, clearing dishes, and assisting with orders. Works in a busy restaurant setting. Available positions with local restaurants and cafes.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Salem, VA?

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Nomad Health
Average Salary: $105,184
Nomad Health is a healthcare staffing company that provides temporary and permanent placement services. They offer competitive salaries and benefits.
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Service Experts
Average Salary: $103,004
Service Experts provides home services such as HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and more. They value their employees and offer a generous compensation package.
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Medical Solutions
Average Salary: $78,808
Medical Solutions is a healthcare staffing agency that matches healthcare professionals with jobs. They offer excellent salaries and benefits.
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Research Data Group
Average Salary: $59,017
Research Data Group specializes in market research and data analytics. They offer a supportive work environment with competitive salaries.
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US Foods
Average Salary: $54,808
US Foods is a food distribution company that supplies various food products. They provide stable employment with decent salaries.
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Mount Regis Center
Average Salary: $51,891
Mount Regis Center offers behavioral health services. They value their staff and provide a fair compensation package.
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HopeTree Family Services
Average Salary: $47,690
HopeTree Family Services provides mental health and social services. They offer a good work environment and competitive pay.
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Capstone Logistics, LLC
Average Salary: $47,218
Capstone Logistics, LLC focuses on logistics and transportation services. They offer stable employment and decent salaries.
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Roanoke College
Average Salary: $43,610
Roanoke College is an educational institution that offers various academic programs. They provide decent salaries for their staff.
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Brookdale Senior Living
Average Salary: $37,246
Brookdale Senior Living provides senior living communities. They offer a supportive work environment and fair compensation.
How does the cost of living in Salem, VA compare to the national average?

The cost of living in Salem, VA, shows several variations when compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs in Salem stand at 85, indicating that residents can expect to spend 15% less on housing compared to the national average. This lower housing index can be an attractive factor for those looking to relocate or start a new job in Salem.
When looking at other living expenses, Salem continues to maintain a relatively favorable cost of living. Groceries, for instance, cost 95, which means residents spend 5% less than the average American. Utilities also present a slight advantage, with a cost of 90, suggesting 10% savings. Transportation costs are at 92, indicating a 8% lower expense compared to the national average. While healthcare costs are slightly higher, at 98, this still represents only a 2% increase. Miscellaneous expenses are at 87, representing a 13% reduction from the national average. Overall, Salem offers a cost of living that is competitive and often more affordable than the nationwide average.



