Virginia Beach vs Waynesboro: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Virginia Beach, VA and Waynesboro, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Virginia Beach, VA | Waynesboro, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,977 | $107,265▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $51.43 | $51.57▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,733▲ | $70,098 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,130▲ | $82,712 |
| 75th Percentile | $132,154▲ | $129,160 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $158,149 | $158,638▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,410▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Waynesboro, VA offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Virginia Beach.
The salary gap between Virginia Beach and Waynesboro is $288 (0.27%). Waynesboro's median is -14.21% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Virginia Beach spans $75,416,Waynesboro spans $88,540. Waynesboro has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electrical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Virginia Beach ($109,226 effective) pays 5.09% more than Waynesboro ($103,939 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,410 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,226)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Waynesboro if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($107,265/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($158,638)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Virginia Beach grew 12.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -17.5% growth in Waynesboro over the same period.
Virginia Beach, VA
$91,620 (2019) → $103,210 (2025)
Waynesboro, VA
$125,496 (2024) → $103,488 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Virginia Beach, VA
Waynesboro, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Virginia Beach or Waynesboro?
What is the hourly rate difference between Virginia Beach and Waynesboro?
Should I relocate from Virginia Beach to Waynesboro as a electrical engineer?
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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