Virginia Beach vs Charlottesville: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber salaries between Virginia Beach, VA and Charlottesville, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Virginia Beach, VA | Charlottesville, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,429▲ | $57,934 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.50▲ | $27.85 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,872▲ | $43,274 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,747▲ | $49,866 |
| 75th Percentile | $67,161 | $70,226▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,310▲ | $76,500 |
| Total Employed | 5,100▲ | 240 |
Verdict
Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Charlottesville.
The salary gap between Virginia Beach and Charlottesville 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 Virginia Beach spans $30,438,Charlottesville spans $33,226. Charlottesville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced plumbers.
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 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
Choose Charlottesville if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Virginia Beach grew 20.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.0% growth in Charlottesville over the same period.
Virginia Beach, VA
$51,420 (2019) → $61,870 (2025)
Charlottesville, VA
$49,130 (2019) → $56,510 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Virginia Beach, VA
Charlottesville, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers more: Virginia Beach or Charlottesville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Virginia Beach and Charlottesville?
Should I relocate from Virginia Beach to Charlottesville as a plumber?
What do entry-level plumbers earn in Virginia Beach vs Charlottesville?
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