Roanoke vs Virginia Beach: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer 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 | $140,759▲ | $139,649 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.67▲ | $67.14 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,483▲ | $79,247 |
| 25th Percentile | $106,176▲ | $93,989 |
| 75th Percentile | $184,764 | $191,947▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $265,676 | $328,423▲ |
| Total Employed | 480 | 2,280▲ |
Verdict
Roanoke and Virginia Beach are closely matched on overall lawyer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Roanoke and Virginia Beach is $1,110 (0.79%). Roanoke's median is -15.80% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Roanoke spans $185,193,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, Roanoke ($150,355 effective) pays 5.45% more than Virginia Beach ($142,585 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($140,759/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $150,355)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($328,423)
- ✓Larger job market (2,280 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Roanoke grew 61.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.9% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Roanoke, VA
$83,500 (2019) → $134,440 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$116,080 (2019) → $133,380 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Roanoke, VA
Virginia Beach, 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