Virginia Beach vs Woodbridge: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Virginia Beach, VA and Woodbridge, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Virginia Beach, VA | Woodbridge, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,977 | $108,542▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $51.43 | $52.19▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,733▲ | $74,296 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,130▲ | $86,413 |
| 75th Percentile | $132,154 | $132,511▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $158,149 | $165,633▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,410▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Woodbridge, 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 Woodbridge is $1,565 (1.46%). Woodbridge's median is -13.19% 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,Woodbridge spans $91,337. Woodbridge 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 3.85% more than Woodbridge ($105,176 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 Woodbridge if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($108,542/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($165,633)
- ✓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 Woodbridge over the same period.
Virginia Beach, VA
$91,620 (2019) → $103,210 (2025)
Woodbridge, VA
$126,990 (2024) → $104,720 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Virginia Beach, VA
Woodbridge, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Virginia Beach or Woodbridge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Virginia Beach and Woodbridge?
Should I relocate from Virginia Beach to Woodbridge as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Virginia Beach vs Woodbridge?
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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