Quantum ML Researcher.
Richmond.
$198,000
median salary, 1% below the national average
$146,000 to $262,000. Last updated April 2026.
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Data points to own the conversation.
A Quantum ML Researcher in Richmond earns a median of $198,000 in 2026. That is 1% below the national average. The range runs from $146,000 to $262,000, and where you land depends on your experience, your skills, and how well you negotiate. Quantum ML sits at the intersection of quantum computing and machine learning, requiring rare expertise in both domains.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $178,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$129,000
to $158,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$168,000
to $208,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$218,000
to $257,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$248,000
to $307,000
Salary trend
+4% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $53,000 to the total package.
Base
$198,000
Equity
$30,000
Bonus
$19,000
Signing
$4,000
Estimated total: $251,000
How Richmond compares
Richmond, VA
$198,000
Cost of living: 1% above average
National Average
$200,000
Richmond is $2,000 below
Quantum ML Researcher salary by city
Salary by role in Richmond
What you should know
Here is what the Quantum ML Researcher 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. Quantum ML sits at the intersection of quantum computing and machine learning, requiring rare expertise in both domains. Researchers with hands-on experience using quantum hardware from IBM, Google, or IonQ earn premiums of 15 to 25%. The field is still largely pre-commercial, so most high-paying roles are at major tech companies or well-funded startups.
Entry-level quantum ML researchers start at $148,000 to $180,000 with a PhD in quantum computing or physics. Researchers with 3 to 5 years earn $200,000 to $265,000. Senior researchers and quantum algorithm leads reach $280,000 to $380,000, while directors of quantum AI programs can command $400,000 to $500,000. 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. Quantum computing companies offer equity that can represent 30 to 60% of total compensation, reflecting the high-risk, high-reward nature of the field. Signing bonuses of $40,000 to $80,000 are common, and some firms provide housing stipends in expensive research hub cities. 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 $198,000, 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 Quantum ML Researchers in Richmond runs from $146,000 to $262,000. 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 Solutions Architect in Richmond earns $197,000 (1% less)
- The highest-paying role in Richmond is Chief AI Officer at $316,000
Common questions.
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