Salem vs Virginia Beach: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Salem, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salem, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,781▲ | $67,068 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.07▲ | $32.24 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,894 | $40,616▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,496 | $51,594▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $88,040▲ | $85,797 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $106,611▲ | $105,790 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 770▲ |
Verdict
Salem, VA offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Virginia Beach.
The salary gap between Salem and Virginia Beach is $1,713 (2.55%). Salem's median is -14.45% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Salem spans $66,717,Virginia Beach spans $65,174. Salem 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 ($68,478 effective) pays 2.75% more than Salem ($66,648 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,781/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($106,611)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Larger job market (770 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,478)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Salem grew -48.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -34.3% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Salem, VA
$128,077 (2024) → $65,832 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$97,770 (2021) → $64,192 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Salem or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salem and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Salem to Virginia Beach as a data analyst?
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Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% 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 Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov