Master's in Machine Learning Degree Programs in Richmond, VA (2026)
Quick answer: The Richmond metro employs about 1,050 data scientists (BLS OEWS, May 2025), and licensing is set at the state level, through the employers you are targeting.
Compare master’s in machine learning programs enrolling now:
Licensing
Licensing is a state matter, not a city one. There is no license or programmatic accreditor for machine learning work. Employers assess the degree, the mathematics behind it and demonstrated project work rather than any credentialing exam.
See the Virginia licensing and pay overview for the statewide picture, and confirm current requirements with the employers you are targeting.
Schools Near You
Schools in our database near this area, ranked by BOC Score. The list favors schools with a related program on record, but program availability and delivery format change, so confirm directly with any school that it currently offers the program you want.
We do not have campus-based schools on record within 250 miles of this area right now. School availability changes as programs open and close, and many programs in this field enroll online - see the main program page for options that are not tied to your location. Know a school we missed? Tell us.
What Data Scientists Earn in Richmond
Data Scientists in the Richmond area earn a median $122,510 per year, above the national median of $120,230 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
Master’s in Machine Learning Pay in Richmond, VA
| Metric | Richmond metro | Virginia | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual wage | $122,510 | $126,430 | $120,230 |
| 10th percentile | $68,510 | $76,420 | $67,240 |
| 25th percentile | $91,030 | $97,390 | $85,660 |
| 75th percentile | $169,990 | $165,610 | $158,880 |
| 90th percentile | $208,170 | $207,890 | $199,130 |
| Employment | 1,050 | 8,920 | 262,440 |
| Location quotient | 0.94 | - | 1.00 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025. Metro figures cover the Richmond, VA metropolitan statistical area.
What the Numbers Say About This Market
The Richmond median of $122,510 is above the national median of $120,230, and below the Virginia statewide median of $126,430 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
The metro’s location quotient of 0.94 means data scientists are less concentrated here than in the average U.S. labor market (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Higher concentration generally means more employers competing for the same people, and an easier job change later.
Machine learning employment concentrates around technology, finance and research employers, and it supports remote work more than most fields, so local employment understates the accessible market.
Other Virginia Metro Areas
| Metro area | Median annual wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach | $100,300 | 770 |
Figures: BLS OEWS, May 2025.
Wage and employment figures describe the occupation as measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, not the graduates of any particular program, and individual outcomes may vary. Licensing rules change; confirm current requirements with the responsible state board before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do data scientists make in Richmond?
The median annual wage for data scientists in the Richmond, VA metro area is $122,510, above the national median of $120,230 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
How many data scientists work in the Richmond area?
The Richmond, VA metro area employs about 1,050 data scientists (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
Do data scientists in Richmond need a license?
Licensing is handled at state level rather than by city. There is no license or programmatic accreditor for machine learning work. Employers assess the degree, the mathematics behind it and demonstrated project work rather than any credentialing exam. Confirm current requirements with the employers you are targeting.
Can I study master's in machine learning online from Richmond?
The academic portion of these programs is widely available online for working adults, while labs, clinical hours or supervised field work are completed in person. Check that the program's accreditation satisfies the employers you are targeting.
Is Richmond a better market than the rest of Virginia?
The Richmond metro median is $122,510 against a statewide median of $126,430 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Compare that gap with the difference in living costs before treating it as a raise.
Related
- Master’s in Machine Learning degree programs in Virginia - statewide pay, licensing and metro comparison
- Master’s in Machine Learning programs and how to choose one
- Computer Network Architect career profile - the trade career this degree path builds on
- All online degree paths for tradespeople
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 - Data Scientists (SOC 15-2051), national, state and metropolitan estimates
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections, 2024-34
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook - education and licensing requirements
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.