Graph Neural Network Researcher.
Virginia Beach.
$188,000
median salary, at the national average
$140,000 to $248,000. Last updated April 2026.
Get the job.
Data points to own the conversation.
If you are evaluating a Graph Neural Network Researcher offer in Virginia Beach, VA, here is the reality: $140,000 to $248,000, with $188,000 as the midpoint. Right at the national average. GNN researchers are valued in drug discovery, social network analysis, and fraud detection, with pharma and fintech paying the highest premiums. Do not accept the first number.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $169,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$122,000
to $150,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$160,000
to $197,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$207,000
to $244,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$235,000
to $291,000
Salary trend
+3% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $39,000 to the total package.
Base
$188,000
Equity
$21,000
Bonus
$14,000
Signing
$4,000
Estimated total: $227,000
How Virginia Beach compares
Virginia Beach, VA
$188,000
Cost of living: 2% below average
National Average
$188,000
Same as local rate
Graph Neural Network Researcher salary by city
Salary by role in Virginia Beach
What you should know
The Graph Neural Network Researcher landscape in Virginia Beach is not what most salary sites will tell you. Virginia Beach anchors the Hampton Roads region with a strong military presence, growing cybersecurity sector, and expanding tech corridor. Naval Station Norfolk drives significant defense contractor employment. The lower cost of living compared to Northern Virginia attracts remote workers and military-to-civilian transitions. GNN researchers are valued in drug discovery, social network analysis, and fraud detection, with pharma and fintech paying the highest premiums. Experience with molecular property prediction or large-scale graph learning at production scale adds 10 to 20% to offers. Publication at venues like NeurIPS or KDD further strengthens negotiating position.
Junior GNN researchers start at $140,000 to $168,000 after completing a PhD. Senior researchers specializing in graph learning earn $190,000 to $250,000. Staff scientists and research leads reach $260,000 to $350,000, while principal scientists at major drug discovery firms can earn $370,000 to $450,000. In Virginia Beach, 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. Biotech and pharma companies frequently offer signing bonuses of $25,000 to $60,000 alongside equity or stock options. Tech firms provide RSU grants worth 25 to 45% of base salary, with annual refreshers tied to performance ratings. And on the tax side: virginia's flat 5.75% state income tax applies. Virginia Beach has no city income tax. The moderate rate combined with lower housing costs than Northern Virginia creates good take home pay. When someone quotes you $188,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.
On negotiation: Leverage military transition benefits. Hampton Roads employers value candidates with security clearances and military technical experience. The range for Graph Neural Network Researchers in Virginia Beach runs from $140,000 to $248,000. 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 AI Safety Researcher in Virginia Beach earns $187,000 (1% less)
- The highest-paying role in Virginia Beach is Distinguished Engineer at $336,000
Common questions.
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