Virginia Beach vs Waynesboro: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Virginia Beach, VA and Waynesboro, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Virginia Beach, VA | Waynesboro, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,068 | $67,396▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.24 | $32.40▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,616▲ | $39,089 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,594▲ | $48,525 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,797▲ | $84,652 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,790▲ | $104,463 |
| Total Employed | 770▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Virginia Beach and Waynesboro are closely matched on overall data analyst compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Virginia Beach and Waynesboro is $328 (0.49%). Waynesboro's median is -16.17% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Virginia Beach spans $65,174,Waynesboro spans $65,374. Waynesboro has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced data analysts.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Virginia Beach ($68,478 effective) pays 4.86% more than Waynesboro ($65,306 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,790)
- ✓Larger job market (770 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,478)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Waynesboro if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,396/year)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Virginia Beach grew -34.3% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -48.6% growth in Waynesboro over the same period.
Virginia Beach, VA
$97,770 (2021) → $64,192 (2025)
Waynesboro, VA
$125,496 (2024) → $64,506 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Virginia Beach, VA
Waynesboro, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Virginia Beach or Waynesboro?
What is the hourly rate difference between Virginia Beach and Waynesboro?
Should I relocate from Virginia Beach to Waynesboro as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in Virginia Beach vs Waynesboro?
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