Bristol vs Virginia Beach: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Bristol, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bristol, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $115,206 | $139,649▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $55.39 | $67.14▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,820 | $79,247▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,948 | $93,989▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $147,464 | $191,947▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $178,569 | $328,423▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 2,280▲ |
Verdict
Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bristol.
The salary gap between Bristol and Virginia Beach is $24,443 (21.22%). Virginia Beach's median is -16.46% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bristol spans $111,749,Virginia Beach spans $249,176. Virginia Beach has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced lawyers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Virginia Beach ($142,585 effective) pays 27.73% more than Bristol ($111,634 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bristol if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($139,649/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($328,423)
- ✓Larger job market (2,280 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $142,585)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Bristol grew -29.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.9% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Bristol, VA
$156,798 (2024) → $110,034 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$116,080 (2019) → $133,380 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bristol, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays lawyers more: Bristol or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bristol and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Bristol to Virginia Beach as a lawyer?
What do entry-level lawyers earn in Bristol vs Virginia Beach?
Written by Alexandra Chen, JD
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Alexandra works at a mid-sized law firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.70% 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 Alexandra Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov