Chesapeake vs Virginia Beach: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Chesapeake, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chesapeake, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $107,392▲ | $106,977 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.63▲ | $51.43 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,287 | $82,733▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $83,785 | $95,130▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $137,462▲ | $132,154 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $166,458▲ | $158,149 |
| Total Employed | 63 | 1,410▲ |
Verdict
Chesapeake, VA offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Virginia Beach.
The salary gap between Chesapeake and Virginia Beach is $415 (0.39%). Chesapeake's median is -14.11% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chesapeake spans $104,171,Virginia Beach spans $75,416. Chesapeake 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 ($109,226 effective) pays 4.96% more than Chesapeake ($104,062 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chesapeake if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($107,392/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($166,458)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,410 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,226)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Chesapeake grew -24.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 12.7% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Chesapeake, VA
$136,587 (2024) → $103,610 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$91,620 (2019) → $103,210 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chesapeake, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Chesapeake or Virginia Beach?
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Related Comparisons
Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% 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 Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov