Charlottesville vs Virginia Beach: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Charlottesville, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlottesville, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $91,597 | $97,170▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $44.04 | $46.72▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,362▲ | $67,500 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,412▲ | $78,871 |
| 75th Percentile | $125,547▲ | $121,370 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $154,982▲ | $140,100 |
| Total Employed | N/A | 1,990 |
Verdict
Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Charlottesville.
The salary gap between Charlottesville and Virginia Beach is $5,573 (6.08%). Virginia Beach's median is -6.11% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charlottesville spans $86,620,Virginia Beach spans $72,600. Charlottesville has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Virginia Beach ($99,213 effective) pays 7.39% more than Charlottesville ($92,386 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charlottesville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($154,982)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($97,170/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,990 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,213)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Charlottesville grew 3.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.7% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Charlottesville, VA
$86,240 (2019) → $89,250 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$82,520 (2019) → $94,680 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlottesville, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Charlottesville or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charlottesville and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Charlottesville to Virginia Beach as a civil engineer?
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Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov