Alexandria vs Virginia Beach: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Alexandria, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Alexandria, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $161,556▲ | $128,794 |
| Hourly Rate | $77.67▲ | $61.92 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $94,605▲ | $57,900 |
| 25th Percentile | $127,169▲ | $97,749 |
| 75th Percentile | $206,792▲ | $177,594 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $250,413▲ | $224,431 |
| Total Employed | 26 | 500▲ |
Verdict
Alexandria, VA offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Virginia Beach.
The salary gap between Alexandria and Virginia Beach is $32,762 (25.44%). Alexandria's median is +17.64% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Alexandria spans $155,808,Virginia Beach spans $166,531. Virginia Beach has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinarians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Alexandria ($156,547 effective) pays 19.05% more than Virginia Beach ($131,502 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Alexandria if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($161,556/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($250,413)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $156,547)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Larger job market (500 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Alexandria grew 25.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.3% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Alexandria, VA
$121,956 (2024) → $153,047 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$92,230 (2019) → $122,010 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Alexandria, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Alexandria or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Alexandria and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Alexandria to Virginia Beach as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Alexandria vs Virginia Beach?
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Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM
Career Analyst
Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% 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 Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov