Chesapeake vs Virginia Beach: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Chesapeake, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chesapeake, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,965▲ | $45,788 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.10▲ | $22.01 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,221 | $39,133▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,111 | $40,245▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $51,953▲ | $48,465 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $64,191▲ | $49,441 |
| Total Employed | 63 | 3,040▲ |
Verdict
Chesapeake, VA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Virginia Beach.
The salary gap between Chesapeake and Virginia Beach is $177 (0.39%). Chesapeake's median is -4.16% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chesapeake spans $30,970,Virginia Beach spans $10,308. Chesapeake 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 ($46,751 effective) pays 4.96% more than Chesapeake ($44,540 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chesapeake if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,965/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($64,191)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Larger job market (3,040 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,751)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Chesapeake grew 2.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.1% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Chesapeake, VA
$42,683 (2024) → $43,789 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$33,010 (2019) → $43,620 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chesapeake, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Chesapeake or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chesapeake and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Chesapeake to Virginia Beach as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Chesapeake vs Virginia Beach?
Written by Emma Chen, CMA
Career Analyst
Emma has over 8 years of experience as a medical assistant. She has worked in both outpatient clinics and hospitals. Her expertise includes patient care and administrative support.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.97% 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 Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov