Alexandria vs Virginia Beach: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant 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 | $151,828▲ | $130,627 |
| Hourly Rate | $73.00▲ | $62.80 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $113,202▲ | $99,559 |
| 25th Percentile | $135,777▲ | $107,773 |
| 75th Percentile | $186,749▲ | $144,410 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $217,992▲ | $178,599 |
| Total Employed | 26 | 780▲ |
Verdict
Alexandria, VA offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Virginia Beach.
The salary gap between Alexandria and Virginia Beach is $21,201 (16.23%). Alexandria's median is +8.15% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Alexandria spans $104,790,Virginia Beach spans $79,040. Alexandria 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, Alexandria ($147,120 effective) pays 10.31% more than Virginia Beach ($133,373 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 ($151,828/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($217,992)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $147,120)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Larger job market (780 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Alexandria grew 11.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.0% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Alexandria, VA
$132,291 (2024) → $146,949 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$100,370 (2019) → $126,430 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Alexandria, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants 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 physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Alexandria vs Virginia Beach?
Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% 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 Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov