Richmond vs Virginia Beach: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Richmond, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $93,701 | $97,170▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $45.05 | $46.72▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,981▲ | $67,500 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,252▲ | $78,871 |
| 75th Percentile | $118,497 | $121,370▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $140,459▲ | $140,100 |
| Total Employed | 1,680 | 1,990▲ |
Verdict
Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Richmond.
The salary gap between Richmond and Virginia Beach is $3,469 (3.70%). 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 Richmond spans $65,478,Virginia Beach spans $72,600. Virginia Beach has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Virginia Beach ($99,213 effective) pays 3.61% more than Richmond ($95,752 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($140,459)
- ✓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 Richmond grew 7.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.7% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Richmond, VA
$84,800 (2019) → $91,300 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$82,520 (2019) → $94,680 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Richmond, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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