McLean vs Virginia Beach: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between McLean, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | McLean, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,530▲ | $106,977 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.14▲ | $51.43 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,736 | $82,733▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $83,708 | $95,130▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $137,352▲ | $132,154 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $161,496▲ | $158,149 |
| Total Employed | 11 | 1,410▲ |
Verdict
McLean, VA offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Virginia Beach.
The salary gap between McLean and Virginia Beach is $3,553 (3.32%). McLean's median is -11.60% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in McLean spans $91,760,Virginia Beach spans $75,416. McLean 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 1.98% more than McLean ($107,103 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose McLean if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($110,530/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($161,496)
- ✓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 McLean grew -17.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 12.7% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
McLean, VA
$129,317 (2024) → $106,638 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$91,620 (2019) → $103,210 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
McLean, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: McLean or Virginia Beach?
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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