Virginia Beach vs Williamsburg: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Virginia Beach, VA and Williamsburg, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Virginia Beach, VA | Williamsburg, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,517▲ | $57,541 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.58▲ | $27.66 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,643▲ | $36,662 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,290▲ | $44,637 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,284▲ | $69,821 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $96,907▲ | $83,813 |
| Total Employed | 4,320▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Williamsburg.
The salary gap between Virginia Beach and Williamsburg is $3,976 (6.91%). 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 Virginia Beach spans $43,264,Williamsburg spans $47,151. Williamsburg 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 12.65% more than Williamsburg ($55,757 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Williamsburg if…
- ✓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 -7.9% growth in Williamsburg over the same period.
Virginia Beach, VA
$52,770 (2019) → $59,690 (2025)
Williamsburg, VA
$60,590 (2024) → $55,833 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Virginia Beach, VA
Williamsburg, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Virginia Beach or Williamsburg?
What is the hourly rate difference between Virginia Beach and Williamsburg?
Should I relocate from Virginia Beach to Williamsburg as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Virginia Beach vs Williamsburg?
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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