Salem vs Virginia Beach: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer 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 | $58,915 | $61,517▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.32 | $29.58▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,552 | $53,643▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $48,029 | $59,290▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $73,299 | $78,284▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,026 | $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 Salem.
The salary gap between Salem and Virginia Beach is $2,602 (4.42%). 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 Salem spans $48,474,Virginia Beach spans $43,264. 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 ($62,810 effective) pays 10.02% more than Salem ($57,088 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Salem 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 Salem grew -7.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.1% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Salem, VA
$62,037 (2024) → $57,166 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$52,770 (2019) → $59,690 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers 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 police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Salem 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