Charlottesville vs Virginia Beach: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer 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 | $62,743▲ | $61,517 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.17▲ | $29.58 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,952 | $53,643▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $55,817 | $59,290▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $75,461 | $78,284▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $90,384 | $96,907▲ |
| Total Employed | 410 | 4,320▲ |
Verdict
Charlottesville and Virginia Beach are closely matched on overall police officer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Charlottesville and Virginia Beach is $1,226 (1.99%). Charlottesville's median is -20.12% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charlottesville spans $37,432,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, Charlottesville ($63,283 effective) pays 0.75% more than Virginia Beach ($62,810 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 ($62,743/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,283)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,907)
- ✓Larger job market (4,320 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Charlottesville grew 19.9% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 13.1% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Charlottesville, VA
$50,790 (2020) → $60,880 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$52,770 (2019) → $59,690 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlottesville, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers 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 police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Charlottesville vs Virginia Beach?
Related Comparisons
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