Salem vs Virginia Beach: Electrician Salary (2026)
Compare electrician salaries between Salem, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salem, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,269 | $63,672▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.45 | $30.62▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,217 | $44,902▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,212 | $50,457▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $78,424▲ | $75,232 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $94,966▲ | $83,003 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 5,740▲ |
Verdict
Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for electricians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.
The salary gap between Salem and Virginia Beach is $2,403 (3.92%). 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 Salem spans $54,749,Virginia Beach spans $38,101. Salem 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 9.50% more than Salem ($59,369 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($94,966)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,672/year)
- ✓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 Salem grew -3.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.0% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Salem, VA
$62,037 (2024) → $59,997 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$49,500 (2019) → $62,350 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electricians more: Salem or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salem and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Salem to Virginia Beach as a electrician?
What do entry-level electricians earn in Salem 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