Bristol vs Virginia Beach: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Bristol, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bristol, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $51,260 | $61,517▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.64 | $29.58▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,020 | $53,643▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,754 | $59,290▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $64,218 | $78,284▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $73,106 | $96,907▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 4,320▲ |
Verdict
Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bristol.
The salary gap between Bristol and Virginia Beach is $10,257 (20.01%). Virginia Beach's median is -21.68% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bristol spans $39,086,Virginia Beach spans $43,264. Virginia Beach has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced police officers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Virginia Beach ($62,810 effective) pays 26.45% more than Bristol ($49,671 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bristol if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,517/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,907)
- ✓Larger job market (4,320 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,810)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Bristol grew -19.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.1% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Bristol, VA
$61,528 (2024) → $49,738 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$52,770 (2019) → $59,690 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bristol, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Bristol or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bristol and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Bristol to Virginia Beach as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Bristol vs Virginia Beach?
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Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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 Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov