Considering moving to the former state? Virginia boasts a diverse economy, and Virginia’s major industries range from technology to agriculture. Whether you’re browsing homes for sale in Richmond or apartments in Virginia Beach, understanding the state’s economic climate can help you make informed decisions. can. The state’s robust job market offers opportunities across a variety of sectors. Explore the top industries that make Virginia a great place to live and work.
Virginia Overview: Home Prices, Income, and Employment
Top Employers in Virginia
Walmart: 46,200 employees Amazon: 39,000 employees Target: 14,300 employees Virginia Commonwealth University: 13,500 employees United States Postal Service: 13,100 employees
Virginia’s 10 Major Industries
1. Government and military
Major Employers: Department of Defense (Arlington), Fort Belvoir (Fairfax County), Naval Base Norfolk (Norfolk)
Virginia’s proximity to Washington, DC makes it a center of government and military operations. The Department of Defense in Arlington offers many government and defense jobs. Fort Belvoir in Fairfax County offers opportunities in the logistics and information fields. Naval Base Norfolk, the world’s largest naval base, employs thousands of people in naval operations and support roles. These institutions contribute significantly to the state’s economy and provide stable employment for residents.
Considering moving to Virginia to work in this industry? Consider homes for sale in Arlington or Fairfax County.
2. Professional, scientific and technical services
Major Employers: Booz Allen Hamilton (McLean), General Dynamics (Reston), Leidos Holdings (Reston)
The professional, scientific, and technical services sector is a major driver of Virginia’s economy. Firms like Booz Allen Hamilton in McLean specialize in consulting and cybersecurity services. General Dynamics, based in Reston, offers careers in defense technology and aerospace. Leidos Holdings in Reston focuses on IT solutions and engineering. These companies attract professionals seeking highly skilled jobs in cutting-edge fields.
Considering moving to Virginia to work in this industry? Consider homes for sale in McLean or Reston.
3. Information technology
Main employers: MicroStrategy (Tysons), Appian Corporation (McLean), DXC Technology (Ashburn)
Virginia is a fast-growing technology hub with a strong information technology sector. There are more than 13,000 high-tech companies in the state, and the industry generates $37 billion for the state. MicroStrategy at Tysons specializes in business intelligence software and offers software development and data analysis roles. Appian Corporation, located in McLean, focuses on low-code automation platforms. DXC Technology in Ashburn provides IT services and consulting. Investments in the state’s technology infrastructure have become attractive to IT professionals.
Considering moving to Virginia to work in this industry? Consider homes for sale in McLean or Ashburn.
4. Manufacturing
Major Employers: Smithfield Foods (Smithfield), Newport News Shipbuilding (Newport News), DuPont (Virginia locations)
Manufacturing plays an important role in Virginia’s economy, employing more than 240,000 people and generating approximately $46 billion. Companies such as Smithfield Foods in Smithfield are large meat processing companies that provide production and quality control jobs in everything from food processing to shipbuilding. Newport News Shipyard builds warships and employs engineers and skilled tradesmen. This sector offers residents a variety of job options.
Considering moving to Virginia to work in this industry? Consider homes for sale in Newport News or Smithfield.
5. Education and health services
Major Employers: Inova Health System (Falls Church), Sentara Healthcare (Norfolk), Virginia Commonwealth University (Richmond)
Virginia has strong education and health services sectors. Inova Health System in Falls Church is a leading not-for-profit health care provider that employs medical professionals and support staff. Sentara Healthcare offers careers in patient care and management. Virginia Commonwealth University offers jobs in higher education and research. This industry supports the well-being of local communities and provides stable employment.
Considering moving to Virginia to work in this industry? Consider homes for sale in Richmond or Norfolk.
6. Finance and Insurance
Major Employers: Capital One Financial Corporation (McLean), Genworth Financial (Richmond), Freddie Mac (Virginia locations)
Virginia’s financial and insurance sectors are thriving. Capital One offers positions in banking, data analytics and cybersecurity, while Genworth Financial in Richmond specializes in insurance and investment solutions and offers positions in finance and customer service. This industry attracts professionals seeking a career in financial services.
Considering moving to Virginia to work in this industry? Consider homes for sale in McLean or Richmond.
7. Transportation and warehousing
Major Employers: Norfolk Southern Corporation (Norfolk), Virginia Port Authority (Norfolk), UPS (Virginia locations)
Due to Virginia’s strategic location along the Atlantic Coast, transportation and warehousing are major industries. Norfolk Southern Corporation, located in Norfolk, is a leading rail transportation company offering logistics and operations jobs. The Virginia Port Authority manages one of the busiest ports on the East Coast and provides employment in maritime services. UPS has facilities throughout the state and handles package handling and delivery. This department supports commerce and trade within the state and across the country.
Considering moving to Virginia to work in this industry? Consider homes for sale in Norfolk or Chesapeake.
8. Agriculture
Major Employers: Perdue Farms (Virginia locations), Old Dominion Peanut Company (Norfolk), Farm Bureau of Virginia (Richmond)
Agriculture remains the cornerstone of Virginia’s economy, contributing $105 billion in annual economic impact and employing more than 334,000 people. Perdue Farms processes poultry and employs workers in agriculture and production. The Old Dominion Peanut Company in Norfolk offers food processing jobs, and the Virginia Department of Agriculture supports agricultural businesses and provides management and advocacy roles. This industry provides local and community-based employment opportunities.
Considering moving to Virginia to work in this industry? Consider homes for sale in Norfolk or Richmond.
9. Tourism and hospitality
Major Employers: Kings Dominion (Doswell), Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg), Hilton Worldwide (McLean)
Tourism and hospitality thrive in Virginia’s rich historical and recreational locations. Kings Dominion in Doswell offers entertainment and park operations jobs. The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation hires in historical interpretation and guest services, and Hilton Worldwide offers careers in hotel management and hospitality services. This industry increases the state’s attractiveness to tourists and residents alike.
Considering moving to Virginia to work in this industry? Consider homes for sale in McLean or Doswell.
10. Construction
Major Employers: Bechtel Corporation (Reston), HITT Contracting (Falls Church), Clark Construction Group (Virginia locations)
Construction is an important industry supporting Virginia’s growth. Bechtel Corporation in Reston offers engineering and project management roles. HITT Contracting specializes in commercial construction and employs skilled tradespeople and managers. Clark Construction Group provides construction and infrastructure development work with projects throughout the state. This industry supports community development and provides opportunities for a variety of skill levels.
Considering moving to Virginia to work in this industry? Consider homes for sale in Reston or Falls Church.
