Roanoke vs Virginia Beach: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Roanoke, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Roanoke, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $93,106 | $97,170▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $44.76 | $46.72▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,198▲ | $67,500 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,752 | $78,871▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $117,029 | $121,370▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $134,712 | $140,100▲ |
| Total Employed | 250 | 1,990▲ |
Verdict
Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Roanoke.
The salary gap between Roanoke and Virginia Beach is $4,064 (4.36%). Virginia Beach's median is -6.11% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Roanoke spans $66,514,Virginia Beach spans $72,600. Virginia Beach has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Roanoke ($99,453 effective) pays 0.24% more than Virginia Beach ($99,213 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,453)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($97,170/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($140,100)
- ✓Larger job market (1,990 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Roanoke grew 36.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.7% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Roanoke, VA
$66,650 (2019) → $90,720 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$82,520 (2019) → $94,680 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Roanoke, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Roanoke or Virginia Beach?
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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