CFO.
Richmond.
$260,000
median salary, at the national average
$195,000 to $345,000. Last updated April 2026.
Get the job.
Data points to own the conversation.
If you are evaluating a CFO offer in Richmond, VA, here is the reality: $195,000 to $345,000, with $260,000 as the midpoint. Right at the national average. Company size measured by revenue and market capitalization drives the widest pay variation among CFOs. Do not accept the first number.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $234,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$169,000
to $208,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$221,000
to $273,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$286,000
to $338,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$325,000
to $403,000
Salary trend
+5% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $69,000 to the total package.
Base
$260,000
Equity
$39,000
Bonus
$25,000
Signing
$5,000
Estimated total: $329,000
How Richmond compares
Richmond, VA
$260,000
Cost of living: 1% above average
National Average
$260,000
Same as local rate
CFO salary by city
Salary by role in Richmond
What you should know
Here is what the CFO market actually looks like in Richmond. Richmond combines a strong government and defense sector with growing technology and financial services industries. Capital One's headquarters drives significant fintech employment. The city's proximity to Washington DC creates spillover demand for federal contractors and tech workers seeking lower living costs. Company size measured by revenue and market capitalization drives the widest pay variation among CFOs. Fortune 500 CFOs earn three to five times more than mid-market counterparts. Industry also matters, with technology, financial services, and pharmaceutical CFOs commanding the highest packages. IPO and M&A transaction experience adds further premium.
VP of Finance roles pay $180,000 to $260,000 in base salary. CFOs at small companies ($10 million to $50 million revenue) earn $175,000 to $250,000. Mid-market CFOs ($50 million to $500 million) earn $250,000 to $400,000. Enterprise CFOs at $1 billion or more revenue companies command $400,000 to $800,000 base. In Richmond, cost of living sits near the national average, so the numbers you see are roughly what you keep.
Base salary is not the full picture. CFO total compensation far exceeds base salary. Annual bonuses of 40 to 75% of base, equity grants worth $200,000 to $2 million or more at public companies, and long-term incentive plans are standard. Total compensation at large companies commonly reaches $800,000 to $5 million. And on the tax side: virginia's top income tax rate is 5.75%. Richmond has no city income tax. The moderate rate and reasonable cost of living create solid net compensation. When someone quotes you $260,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.
On negotiation: Leverage DC corridor salary benchmarks. Richmond employers compete with Northern Virginia and DC for talent, especially in fintech and government contracting. The range for CFOs in Richmond runs from $195,000 to $345,000. That is not a narrow window. Where you land inside it depends almost entirely on whether you negotiate and how well you prepare.
Sources: SEC filings, H-1B LCA (DOL), BLS OES, 50+ job posting platforms. COL: BEA Regional Price Parities (2025). Data verified by Justin Bartak, Founder & Chief AI Officer. Last verified April 8, 2026. Full methodology
Considering a related role?
- A Chief Marketing Officer in Richmond earns $263,000 (1% more)
- The highest-paying role in Richmond is Chief AI Officer at $316,000
Common questions.
CFO salary in other cities
Other salaries in Richmond
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