Roanoke vs Waynesboro: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Roanoke, VA and Waynesboro, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Roanoke, VA | Waynesboro, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $140,759▲ | $126,395 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.67▲ | $60.77 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,483▲ | $73,309 |
| 25th Percentile | $106,176▲ | $91,004 |
| 75th Percentile | $184,764▲ | $161,786 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $265,676▲ | $195,913 |
| Total Employed | 480▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Roanoke, VA offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waynesboro.
The salary gap between Roanoke and Waynesboro is $14,364 (11.36%). 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,Waynesboro spans $122,604. Roanoke 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, Roanoke ($150,355 effective) pays 22.76% more than Waynesboro ($122,476 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 top-earner potential ($265,676)
- ✓Larger job market (480 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $150,355)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Waynesboro if…
- ✓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 -22.1% growth in Waynesboro over the same period.
Roanoke, VA
$83,500 (2019) → $134,440 (2025)
Waynesboro, VA
$154,910 (2024) → $120,721 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Roanoke, VA
Waynesboro, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays lawyers more: Roanoke or Waynesboro?
What is the hourly rate difference between Roanoke and Waynesboro?
Should I relocate from Roanoke to Waynesboro as a lawyer?
What do entry-level lawyers earn in Roanoke vs Waynesboro?
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