Richmond vs Virginia Beach: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Richmond, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $128,435 | $128,794▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $61.75 | $61.92▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,577▲ | $57,900 |
| 25th Percentile | $100,683▲ | $97,749 |
| 75th Percentile | $174,955 | $177,594▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $228,136▲ | $224,431 |
| Total Employed | 420 | 500▲ |
Verdict
Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Richmond.
The salary gap between Richmond and Virginia Beach is $359 (0.28%). Virginia Beach's median is -6.22% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Richmond spans $142,559,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, Virginia Beach ($131,502 effective) pays 0.19% more than Richmond ($131,246 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($228,136)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($128,794/year)
- ✓Larger job market (500 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $131,502)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Richmond grew 31.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 32.3% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Richmond, VA
$92,580 (2019) → $121,670 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$92,230 (2019) → $122,010 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Richmond, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Richmond or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Richmond and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Richmond to Virginia Beach as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Richmond vs Virginia Beach?
Related Comparisons
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