Bristol vs Chesapeake: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Bristol, VA and Chesapeake, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bristol, VA | Chesapeake, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,358▲ | $67,328 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.39▲ | $32.37 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,108▲ | $39,050 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,001▲ | $48,778 |
| 75th Percentile | $86,219▲ | $86,179 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $104,406▲ | $104,359 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 63▲ |
Verdict
Bristol, VA offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Chesapeake.
The salary gap between Bristol and Chesapeake is $30 (0.04%). Bristol's median is -16.22% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bristol spans $64,298,Chesapeake spans $65,309. Chesapeake 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, Bristol ($65,269 effective) pays 0.04% more than Chesapeake ($65,240 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bristol if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,358/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($104,406)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,269)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Chesapeake if…
- ✓Larger job market (63 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Bristol grew -49.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -52.8% growth in Chesapeake over the same period.
Bristol, VA
$127,026 (2024) → $64,470 (2025)
Chesapeake, VA
$136,587 (2024) → $64,441 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bristol, VA
Chesapeake, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Bristol or Chesapeake?
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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