Here is a comprehensive career guide for Web Developers considering a move to Virginia Beach, VA. All salary data is derived from the exact figures you provided.

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Virginia Beach Web Developer Career Guide

As a local career analyst who’s lived in Virginia Beach for over a decade, I’ve watched the tech scene evolve from a niche military support sector to a more diversified market. Virginia Beach isn’t Silicon Valley, but it offers a unique blend of coastal living, military-adjacent tech jobs, and a cost of living that’s surprisingly reasonable. If you’re a Web Developer considering a move here, this guide breaks down the real numbers, neighborhoods, and career paths you need to know.

The Salary Picture: Where Virginia Beach Stands

Web Developers in Virginia Beach earn a median salary of $92,026 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $44.24. This is slightly below the national average of $92,750/year, a common trade-off for coastal living. However, the local job market is stable, with 907 jobs currently in the metro area and a 10-year job growth of 16%, indicating healthy demand.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries vary significantly based on experience and specialization (front-end, back-end, full-stack). Here’s a realistic breakdown for the Virginia Beach market:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$65,000 - $78,000	Basic UI/UX implementation, content updates, junior front-end tasks.
Mid-Level	3-5 years	$78,000 - $95,000	Full feature development, API integration, code reviews, some mentorship.
Senior-Level	5-10 years	$95,000 - $125,000+	System architecture, leading teams, complex problem-solving, full-stack leadership.
Expert/Lead	10+ years	$125,000 - $170,000+	Director-level roles, CTO in startups, specialized consulting (e.g., FedRAMP compliance).

Comparison to Other VA Cities

Virginia Beach is part of the Hampton Roads region. While it doesn't command the high salaries of Northern Virginia (NoVA), its lower cost of living makes it competitive.

City	Median Salary (Est.)	Cost of Living Index	Key Tech Driver
Virginia Beach	$92,026	97.4	Defense, Tourism, Maritime
Richmond	~$95,000	95.0	State Gov, Finance, Startups
Northern VA (NoVA)	~$120,000+	138.4	Federal Gov, Defense Contractors
Norfolk	~$88,000	95.1	Port, Education, Military

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s calculate the real monthly budget for a Web Developer earning the median salary of $92,026. We’ll estimate taxes (federal, state, FICA) at roughly 26% for this bracket, leaving a monthly take-home of approximately $5,685.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Median Salary - $92,026/year)

• Gross Monthly: ~$7,669
• Est. Taxes (26%): ~$1,994
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$5,675

Expense Category	Average Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,287	The city-wide average.
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Internet)	$250	Varies by season (AC is a must in summer).
Groceries	$400	Comparable to national average.
Transportation	$350	Most neighborhoods are car-dependent; gas prices are moderate.
Health Insurance	$300	If employer covers 70% of premium.
Discretionary/Entertainment	$1,500	Dining out, beach activities, hobbies.
Savings/Debt/Retirement	$1,588	This is the key. With careful budgeting, you can save ~27% of your take-home pay.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, but with caveats. The median home price in Virginia Beach is approximately $365,000. With a 20% down payment ($73,000), a 30-year mortgage at 7% would be around $1,930/month (PITI). This is roughly 34% of your gross monthly income ($7,669), which is at the upper limit of affordability. However, if you have a partner with dual income or save diligently for a larger down payment, homeownership is very attainable compared to national hotspots.

Where the Jobs Are: Virginia Beach's Major Employers

The local tech market is heavily influenced by defense, maritime, and tourism. You won't find many FAANG offices, but you will find stable, well-paying corporate roles.

1. The Dominion: One of Virginia's largest energy companies, with a significant Virginia Beach operation. They have a growing digital team focused on customer portals and internal tools. They favor security-conscious devs with experience in large-scale systems.
2. Huntington Ingalls Industries (Newport News Shipbuilding): While headquartered in Newport News, their IT and web presence teams serve the Virginia Beach area. They need developers for secure, government-compliant web applications (think internal HR portals, supplier portals). Clearance eligibility is a plus.
3. Sentara Healthcare: A massive regional health system with multiple hospitals in the area (Sentara Leigh Hospital, Sentara Princess Anne). They constantly need developers for their patient portals (MyChart), mobile apps, and internal EHR integrations. Experience with HIPAA compliance is highly valued.
4. The Virginia Beach Public Schools (VBPS): A large employer with a need for developers to maintain their district website, parent communication portals, and online learning platforms. It offers great work-life balance and job security.
5. Local & National Defense Contractors: Companies like BAE Systems, General Dynamics, and Northrop Grumman have satellite offices in the area supporting the Naval Air Station Oceana and Naval Station Norfolk. They often hire web developers for internal tools and training simulators. Security clearance is a significant career accelerator here.
6. Tourism & Hospitality Tech: The Virginia Beach Convention Center and major hotel chains (like The Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront) have digital marketing teams that hire front-end developers and UX specialists to drive bookings and guest experiences.
7. Startups & Agencies: The 757 Rise incubator and local agencies like Zentac or The Barban Group offer agency-style work, often for regional clients. This is a good path for developers who want variety and to work on multiple projects.

Hiring Trends: Demand is strongest for full-stack developers (JavaScript/Node.js, Python/Django) and security-cleared developers. Remote/hybrid roles are growing, but local companies still value in-office collaboration for key projects.

Getting Licensed in VA

Good news: There is no state license required to work as a Web Developer in Virginia. Professional licensing is typically reserved for fields like engineering, law, or medicine.

However, for defense and federal contractors:

• Security Clearance: This is the most important "license" in Virginia Beach. You can't apply for one yourself; an employer must sponsor you. The process can take 6-18 months and requires a background check (Secret or Top Secret). Insider Tip: Entry-level roles often don't require a clearance, but they ask for "clearance eligibility" (meaning you can pass the background check). Being a U.S. citizen is mandatory.
• Certifications: While not state-mandated, certifications from CompTIA (Security+) or AWS Certified Developer can make you more attractive to defense and healthcare employers.

Cost & Timeline: No state fee. If you pursue certifications, expect to spend $300-$500 for exam preparation and the test itself. The timeline to get a job is immediate, but the clearance process can delay your start date if required.

Best Neighborhoods for Web Developers

Virginia Beach is a sprawling city. Your commute and lifestyle will depend heavily on where you live.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Best For
Oceanfront (North End)	Touristy, walkable to beach, vibrant nightlife. Commute to downtown corporate offices is 15-20 mins.	$1,450 - $1,800	Young professionals who want the coastal lifestyle.
Town Center / Pembroke	The "downtown" business district. Walkable to restaurants, shops, and major office buildings.	$1,350 - $1,600	Those who want a short commute and urban amenities.
Chesapeake Beach / Northampton	Established, quiet residential areas near the Oceanfront. More single-family homes.	$1,200 - $1,400	Developers working at Dominion or healthcare offices who want a quieter home base.
Kemps River / Princess Anne	Suburban, family-friendly, close to Sentara Princess Anne Hospital and the oceanfront.	$1,150 - $1,350	Remote workers or those who prioritize space and schools.
Ghent (Norfolk)	Technically in Norfolk, but a 15-minute drive to VB. Trendy, historic, full of cafes and tech meetups.	$1,300 - $1,550	Developers who want a more "tech city" vibe and don't mind crossing city lines.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-264 and General Booth Blvd can be brutal during tourist season (May-August). Living near your office or using the HRBT (Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel) strategically can save your sanity.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Virginia Beach, career growth isn't just about climbing a corporate ladder; it's about specialization.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Security-Cleared Developer: Add $15,000 - $30,000 to your base salary. This is the single biggest salary booster in the region.
  • Full-Stack (MERN/Python): Command a 10-15% premium over front-end specialists.
  • DevOps/Cloud (AWS/Azure): Growing demand in healthcare and finance sectors, with a 10-20% premium.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Technical Lead: Move from coding to architecture and team management.
  2. Product/Project Manager: Leverage your technical knowledge to lead projects at places like Dominion or Sentara.
  3. Consulting/Contracting: Many cleared developers work as contractors for defense firms, often earning higher hourly rates but with less stability.
  4. Entrepreneurship: The local startup scene is small but active. Co-working spaces like The Hive in downtown Norfolk host a collaborative community.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 16% job growth is promising. The push for digital transformation in healthcare, government, and maritime sectors will sustain demand. However, the rise of AI tools may automate routine coding tasks, making developers who focus on complex systems, security, and user experience more valuable.

The Verdict: Is Virginia Beach Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Housing: Median rent ($1,287) is far below national hotspots.	Car Dependency: Public transit is minimal; you'll need a car.
Outdoor Lifestyle: Beach, parks, and trails are always minutes away.	Tourist Traffic: Summers can be overcrowded, especially near the ocean.
Stable Job Market: Defense and healthcare offer recession-resistant roles.	Limited High-Growth Tech: Fewer startups and "big tech" HQs compared to larger cities.
No State License: Easy barrier to entry for skilled developers.	Clearance Process: Can be a long wait for federal jobs.
Central Location: Easy drive to Richmond, Norfolk, and DC for day trips.	Salaries: Slightly lower than national average, though cost of living offsets it.

Final Recommendation:
Virginia Beach is an excellent choice for Web Developers who value work-life balance, outdoor access, and financial stability over high-risk, high-reward startup culture. It's particularly advantageous if you are a U.S. citizen eligible for security clearance or work in healthcare/education tech. If you're a solo developer seeking the highest possible salary or a vibrant, walkable tech city, you might find the scene too quiet. For everyone else, it's a fantastic place to build a career and a life.

FAQs

1. Do I need a security clearance to get a job in Virginia Beach?
No, but it helps immensely. Many jobs in the private sector (Dominion, agencies, healthcare) don't require it. However, for defense contractors and most federal roles, it is mandatory. You can start without one, but obtaining one is the fastest way to increase your salary.

2. Is the tech scene collaborative or competitive?
It's more collaborative. The community is smaller and tight-knit. Meetups in Virginia Beach and nearby Norfolk (like "757 Devs") are common and welcoming. Competition exists, but it's less cutthroat than in major tech hubs.

3. How important is a degree for Web Development here?
Less important than in other fields. A strong portfolio and proven skills are what matter. Many successful local developers are self-taught or attended bootcamps. However, for defense and healthcare roles, a CS degree may be preferred for certain compliance reasons.

4. What’s the internet speed like for remote work?
Excellent. Major providers like Cox and Verizon Fios offer gigabit speeds in most urban and suburban neighborhoods. This makes Virginia Beach a solid base for remote developers.

5. Are there networking opportunities for remote workers?
Yes. While in-person events are less frequent than in larger cities, the Hampton Roads Tech Meetup and virtual groups for specific technologies (JavaScript, Python) are active. The proximity to Norfolk (home to Old Dominion University) also adds a student and academic tech layer to the scene.

Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Zillow Rental Market, Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Local Employer Job Postings.