Richmond vs Virginia Beach: Electrician Salary (2026)
Compare electrician salaries between Richmond, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,651 | $63,672▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.13 | $30.62▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,898 | $44,902▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,120 | $50,457▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $78,122▲ | $75,232 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,452 | $83,003▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,600 | 5,740▲ |
Verdict
Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for electricians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Richmond.
The salary gap between Richmond and Virginia Beach is $1,021 (1.63%). Virginia Beach's median is -1.33% compared to the US national median of $64,530.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Richmond spans $42,554,Virginia Beach spans $38,101. Richmond 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 1.54% more than Richmond ($64,022 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,672/year)
- ✓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 Richmond grew 25.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.0% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Richmond, VA
$48,790 (2019) → $61,350 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$49,500 (2019) → $62,350 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Richmond, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electricians more: Richmond or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Richmond and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Richmond to Virginia Beach as a electrician?
What do entry-level electricians earn in Richmond vs Virginia Beach?
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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