Richmond vs Winchester: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Richmond, VA and Winchester, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Winchester, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $151,721▲ | $130,624 |
| Hourly Rate | $72.94▲ | $62.80 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,839▲ | $76,096 |
| 25th Percentile | $105,213▲ | $87,173 |
| 75th Percentile | $225,817▲ | $170,818 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $358,189▲ | $220,854 |
| Total Employed | 3,780▲ | 140 |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Winchester.
The salary gap between Richmond and Winchester is $21,097 (16.15%). Richmond's median is -9.24% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Richmond spans $277,350,Winchester spans $144,758. Richmond 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 ($155,042 effective) pays 14.48% more than Winchester ($135,432 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($151,721/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($358,189)
- ✓Larger job market (3,780 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $155,042)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Winchester if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Richmond grew 22.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 47.6% growth in Winchester over the same period.
Richmond, VA
$118,170 (2019) → $144,910 (2025)
Winchester, VA
$84,520 (2019) → $124,760 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Richmond, VA
Winchester, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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