Roanoke vs Virginia Beach: Insurance Agent Salary (2026)
Compare insurance agent salaries between Roanoke, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Roanoke, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,513▲ | $58,524 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.09▲ | $28.14 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,042 | $38,280▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $36,509 | $49,832▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $77,151 | $81,409▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,414 | $132,038▲ |
| Total Employed | 470 | 1,440▲ |
Verdict
Roanoke and Virginia Beach are closely matched on overall insurance agent compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Roanoke and Virginia Beach is $1,989 (3.40%). Roanoke's median is -6.21% compared to the US national median of $64,522.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Roanoke spans $67,372,Virginia Beach spans $93,758. Virginia Beach has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced insurance agents.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Roanoke ($64,638 effective) pays 8.17% more than Virginia Beach ($59,754 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,513/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,638)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($132,038)
- ✓Larger job market (1,440 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, insurance agent salaries in Roanoke grew 28.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 45.1% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Roanoke, VA
$45,620 (2019) → $58,410 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$38,920 (2019) → $56,490 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Roanoke, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays insurance agents more: Roanoke or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Roanoke and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Roanoke to Virginia Beach as a insurance agent?
What do entry-level insurance agents earn in Roanoke vs Virginia Beach?
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