Charlottesville vs Virginia Beach: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber salaries between Charlottesville, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlottesville, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,934 | $63,429▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.85 | $30.50▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,274 | $46,872▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,866 | $50,747▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $70,226▲ | $67,161 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $76,500 | $77,310▲ |
| Total Employed | 240 | 5,100▲ |
Verdict
Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Charlottesville.
The salary gap between Charlottesville and Virginia Beach is $5,495 (9.48%). Virginia Beach's median is -3.03% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charlottesville spans $33,226,Virginia Beach spans $30,438. Charlottesville 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, Virginia Beach ($64,762 effective) pays 10.83% more than Charlottesville ($58,433 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charlottesville if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,429/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($77,310)
- ✓Larger job market (5,100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,762)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Charlottesville grew 15.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.3% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Charlottesville, VA
$49,130 (2019) → $56,510 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$51,420 (2019) → $61,870 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlottesville, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers more: Charlottesville or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charlottesville and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Charlottesville to Virginia Beach as a plumber?
What do entry-level plumbers earn in Charlottesville vs Virginia Beach?
Related Comparisons
Written by Samuel Torres, CWP
Career Analyst
Samuel Torres has 10 years of experience in plumbing. He specializes in residential plumbing systems. He has worked with several home improvement companies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.52% 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 Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov