Charlottesville vs Virginia Beach: Electrician Salary (2026)
Compare electrician salaries between Charlottesville, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlottesville, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,315▲ | $63,672 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.92▲ | $30.62 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,051 | $44,902▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $52,745▲ | $50,457 |
| 75th Percentile | $74,017 | $75,232▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,286 | $83,003▲ |
| Total Employed | 460 | 5,740▲ |
Verdict
Charlottesville and Virginia Beach are closely matched on overall electrician compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Charlottesville and Virginia Beach is $643 (1.01%). Charlottesville's median is -0.33% compared to the US national median of $64,530.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charlottesville spans $39,235,Virginia Beach spans $38,101. Charlottesville 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 ($65,011 effective) pays 0.22% more than Charlottesville ($64,869 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charlottesville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,315/year)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,003)
- ✓Larger job market (5,740 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,011)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrician salaries in Charlottesville grew 26.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.0% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Charlottesville, VA
$49,860 (2019) → $62,980 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$49,500 (2019) → $62,350 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlottesville, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electricians more: Charlottesville or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charlottesville and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Charlottesville to Virginia Beach as a electrician?
What do entry-level electricians earn in Charlottesville vs Virginia Beach?
Related Comparisons
Written by Samuel Carter, Career Analyst
Career Analyst
Samuel Carter has over 10 years of experience as an electrician. His focus includes residential wiring and safety standards. He has worked in various construction firms.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.12% 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 Samuel Carter, Career Analyst, a licensed electrician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov