Virginia Beach vs Richmond: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Virginia Beach, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Virginia Beach, VA | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,517 | $64,639▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.58 | $31.07▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,643 | $54,900▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $59,290 | $60,620▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $78,284 | $78,748▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $96,907 | $99,164▲ |
| Total Employed | 4,320▲ | 3,410 |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Virginia Beach.
The salary gap between Virginia Beach and Richmond is $3,122 (5.08%). Richmond's median is -17.70% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Virginia Beach spans $43,264,Richmond spans $44,264. Richmond 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, Richmond ($66,054 effective) pays 5.16% 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 Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Larger job market (4,320 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,639/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($99,164)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,054)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Virginia Beach grew 13.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.0% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Virginia Beach, VA
$52,770 (2019) → $59,690 (2025)
Richmond, VA
$53,600 (2019) → $62,720 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Virginia Beach, VA
Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Virginia Beach or Richmond?
What is the hourly rate difference between Virginia Beach and Richmond?
Should I relocate from Virginia Beach to Richmond as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Virginia Beach vs Richmond?
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