McLean vs Virginia Beach: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between McLean, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | McLean, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,448▲ | $67,068 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.39▲ | $32.24 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,280 | $40,616▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,002 | $51,594▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $88,894▲ | $85,797 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,645▲ | $105,790 |
| Total Employed | 11 | 770▲ |
Verdict
McLean, VA offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Virginia Beach.
The salary gap between McLean and Virginia Beach is $2,380 (3.55%). McLean's median is -13.62% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in McLean spans $67,365,Virginia Beach spans $65,174. McLean 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 ($68,478 effective) pays 1.76% more than McLean ($67,295 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose McLean if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,448/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($107,645)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Larger job market (770 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,478)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in McLean grew -48.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -34.3% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
McLean, VA
$129,317 (2024) → $66,470 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$97,770 (2021) → $64,192 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
McLean, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: McLean or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between McLean and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from McLean to Virginia Beach as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in McLean vs Virginia Beach?
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