Harrisonburg vs Roanoke: Insurance Agent Salary (2026)
Compare insurance agent salaries between Harrisonburg, VA and Roanoke, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Harrisonburg, VA | Roanoke, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,072▲ | $60,513 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.36▲ | $29.09 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,543▲ | $36,042 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,443▲ | $36,509 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,642▲ | $77,151 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $140,834▲ | $103,414 |
| Total Employed | 100 | 470▲ |
Verdict
Harrisonburg, VA offers better overall compensation for insurance agents, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Roanoke.
The salary gap between Harrisonburg and Roanoke is $559 (0.92%). Harrisonburg's median is -5.35% compared to the US national median of $64,522.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Harrisonburg spans $95,291,Roanoke spans $67,372. Harrisonburg 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, Roanoke ($64,638 effective) pays 0.43% more than Harrisonburg ($64,359 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Harrisonburg if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,072/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($140,834)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Larger job market (470 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,638)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, insurance agent salaries in Harrisonburg grew 12.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.0% growth in Roanoke over the same period.
Harrisonburg, VA
$52,480 (2019) → $58,950 (2025)
Roanoke, VA
$45,620 (2019) → $58,410 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Harrisonburg, VA
Roanoke, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays insurance agents more: Harrisonburg or Roanoke?
What is the hourly rate difference between Harrisonburg and Roanoke?
Should I relocate from Harrisonburg to Roanoke as a insurance agent?
What do entry-level insurance agents earn in Harrisonburg vs Roanoke?
Written by Jordan Lee, MBA
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 10 years of experience in the insurance industry. He specializes in property and casualty insurance. He has worked in both agency and corporate settings.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.60% 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 Jordan Lee, MBA, a licensed insurance agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov