The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) has released the Southern Virginia Living Wage and Job Availability Study conducted by Chmura and unveiled during the recent Futures Summit. This analysis offers valuable insights into what constitutes a living wage in the 15 localities in GO Virginia Region 3 and assesses the availability of jobs that meet or exceed this threshold. This information will inform and guide workforce and economic development strategies.
According to the study, the average living wage for the region is $14.56 per hour, which is $2.15 higher than the minimum wage in Virginia. While all available jobs can support single adults and two-adult households without children, the report highlights challenges for families with multiple children, where fewer positions meet living wage standards.
Healthcare and social assistance dominate job openings, accounting for more than one-third of postings, and demand in this sector is expected to remain strong over the next five years.
Key Findings from the Living Wage and Job Availability Study
- Regional Living Wage: Average living wage is $14.56 per hour; annual expenses range from $24,582 for a single adult to $78,445 for two adults with three children.
- Job Availability: In early 2025, there were 15,383 job openings in the region; healthcare and social assistance represented 36% of these openings, followed by retail trade and accommodation/food services.
- Family Support: While 100% of jobs can support single adults or two working adults without children, only 30% of jobs can support a single adult with three children.
- Education and Skills: About 60.5% of job openings do not require postsecondary education, though higher education correlates with higher wages.
The report also examines job availability by industry, pay range and education requirements. More than 60% of current openings do not require postsecondary education, yet the region is seeing growth in higher-wage, higher-skill positions — particularly in healthcare and advanced manufacturing. Over the next five years, total demand is expected to be highest in healthcare, retail and food services, with opportunities for growth in advanced manufacturing and controlled environment agriculture.
Quick Stats
Average Living Wage: $14.56/hour
Total Job Openings (Q1 2025): 15,383
Education Requirements:
- 60.5% require only a high school diploma
- 24.2% require a bachelor’s degree
Top Occupations: Registered Nurses, Retail Salespersons, First-Line Supervisors
Top Sectors by Openings:
- Health Care & Social Assistance – 35.8%
- Retail Trade – 12.4%
- Accommodation & Food Services – 8.1%
- Educational Services – 7.6%
- Construction – 7%
- Manufacturing – 5.9%
The unveiling of the study was a centerpiece of the Futures Summit. This half-day event brought together 50 thought leaders, employers and workforce innovators to explore the future of business, employment and economic development. Attendees engaged with a keynote presentation from Paul Carney of Ishtot, who shared how artificial intelligence is transforming modern business practices and how businesses can maximize their ROI, “Return on Intelligence”. The summit also featured a collaborative showcase from Region 3 completers of the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s Talent Pipeline Management (TPM) Academy, highlighting employer-led strategies that are driving results.
“The release of the Living Wage and Job Availability Study provides a practical roadmap for employers, educators and policymakers as we realize Southern Virginia as a region where all can live and thrive,” said Jessie Vernon, IALR’s Director of Employer Engagement and Experiential Learning.
About IALR
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves Virginia as a regional catalyst for economic transformation with applied research, advanced learning, manufacturing advancement, conference center services and economic development efforts. IALR’s major footprint focuses on Southern Virginia, including the counties of Patrick, Henry, Franklin, Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg and the cities of Martinsville and Danville.
