Reston vs Virginia Beach: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Reston, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Reston, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,422 | $61,517▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.57 | $29.58▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,478 | $53,643▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,860 | $59,290▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $76,060 | $78,284▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $89,747 | $96,907▲ |
| Total Employed | 16 | 4,320▲ |
Verdict
Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Reston.
The salary gap between Reston and Virginia Beach is $2,095 (3.53%). 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 Reston spans $51,269,Virginia Beach spans $43,264. Reston 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 ($62,810 effective) pays 9.08% more than Reston ($57,579 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Reston 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 Reston grew -7.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.1% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Reston, VA
$62,571 (2024) → $57,658 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$52,770 (2019) → $59,690 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Reston, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Reston or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Reston and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Reston to Virginia Beach as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Reston 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