Falls Church vs Virginia Beach: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber salaries between Falls Church, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Falls Church, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $53,419 | $63,429▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.68 | $30.50▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,071 | $46,872▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $43,474 | $50,747▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $68,377▲ | $67,161 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,799▲ | $77,310 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 5,100▲ |
Verdict
Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Falls Church.
The salary gap between Falls Church and Virginia Beach is $10,010 (18.74%). 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 Falls Church spans $42,728,Virginia Beach spans $30,438. Falls Church 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 25.11% more than Falls Church ($51,763 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Falls Church if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,799)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,429/year)
- ✓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 Falls Church grew -8.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.3% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Falls Church, VA
$57,094 (2024) → $52,106 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$51,420 (2019) → $61,870 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Falls Church, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers more: Falls Church or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Falls Church and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Falls Church to Virginia Beach as a plumber?
What do entry-level plumbers earn in Falls Church vs Virginia Beach?
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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