Best Online Technology Programs in Salem, VA (2026)
Salem, Virginia has a population of about 25,477. The city’s median household income is $66,716 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 31.1% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited technology programs within 100 miles of Salem, with tuition ranging from $12,286 to $26,681 per year. In the Roanoke, VA metro area, the top-earning technology-related role is Computer and Information Systems Manager at a median $159,190 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Technology Schools to Salem
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer technology programs. Distances are calculated from Salem city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Western Community College | Roanoke, VA | 5.2 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Blacksburg, VA | 20.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Ferrum College | Ferrum, VA | 24.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Radford University | Radford, VA | 29.1 mi | $12,286 - $26,681 | – |
| New River Community College | Dublin, VA | 36.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Virginia schools on the Virginia technology page.
Technology Wages Near Salem
Salem is part of the Roanoke, VA metro area (BLS area code 40220). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to Virginia statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | $99,700 | Roanoke, VA | $106,517 |
| Information Security Analyst | $104,600 | Roanoke, VA | $111,752 |
| Computer Network Architect | $98,040 | Roanoke, VA | $104,744 |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrator | $88,190 | Roanoke, VA | $94,220 |
| Computer Network Support Specialist | $53,550 | Roanoke, VA | $57,212 |
| Computer User Support Specialist | $51,720 | Roanoke, VA | $55,256 |
| Web Developer | $82,370 | Roanoke, VA | $88,002 |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $159,190 | Roanoke, VA | $170,075 |
Source: BLS, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes wage data at the metro (MSA) and state level – not by individual city.
Salem at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 25,477 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $66,716 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 31.1% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 93.6 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Technology-related employment in Salem (city) County | 113 workers, 8 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Salem-Area Cities With Technology Programs
- Roanoke, VA – 5.4 mi away (215,793 pop)
- Blacksburg, VA – 20.8 mi away (93,560 pop)
- Christiansburg, VA – 21.6 mi away (22,088 pop)
- Martinsville, VA – 43.0 mi away (34,132 pop)
- Lynchburg, VA – 48.1 mi away (123,795 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited technology programs are near Salem, VA?
Our directory lists 5 technology programs within 100 miles of Salem. The closest is Virginia Western Community College in Roanoke, VA (5.2 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is New River Community College (36.9 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying technology roles near Salem?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying technology-related roles near Salem are: Computer and Information Systems Manager ($159,190), Information Security Analyst ($104,600), Software Developer ($99,700). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with Virginia statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Roanoke instead of Salem?
Roanoke, VA is 5.4 miles from Salem and has its own set of local technology programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Salem an affordable place to study technology?
Salem’s median household income of $66,716 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Salem while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Virginia public universities often offer reduced in-state online tuition.
How do I verify a program is accredited?
Confirm institutional accreditation via the U.S. Department of Education database (U.S. Dept. of Education database), and check for any program-specific accreditation listed by the school.
Related Resources
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