Chesapeake vs Richmond: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Chesapeake, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chesapeake, VA | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $97,547▲ | $93,701 |
| Hourly Rate | $46.90▲ | $45.05 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,067 | $74,981▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $78,303 | $81,252▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $124,860▲ | $118,497 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $151,198▲ | $140,459 |
| Total Employed | 63 | 1,680▲ |
Verdict
Chesapeake, VA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Richmond.
The salary gap between Chesapeake and Richmond is $3,846 (4.10%). Chesapeake's median is -5.74% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chesapeake spans $91,131,Richmond spans $65,478. Chesapeake 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, Richmond ($95,752 effective) pays 1.30% more than Chesapeake ($94,522 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chesapeake if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($97,547/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($151,198)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,680 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $95,752)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Chesapeake grew -17.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.7% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Chesapeake, VA
$115,245 (2024) → $95,047 (2025)
Richmond, VA
$84,800 (2019) → $91,300 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chesapeake, VA
Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% 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 Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov