QUICK ANSWER The jobs in highest demand in Virginia Beach in 2026 include defense and military contracting, skilled trades, healthcare, IT and cybersecurity, hospitality, and corporate services. Virginia Beach’s diverse economy — anchored by military installations, a booming tourism industry, and major employers like GEICO, Amerigroup, and STIHL — creates consistent, year-round demand across multiple industries.
Virginia Beach isn’t just a great place to live — it’s one of the strongest job markets on the East Coast. Virginia Beach ranked as the #1 U.S. market for veterans and military spouses to find employment in 2025, and that momentum has carried into 2026. The economy here is remarkably diverse, driven by defense, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, corporate services, hospitality, education, and nonprofit organizations. WayUpHrchamber
Whether you’re a transitioning service member, a career changer, or an entrepreneur looking to plant roots in a growing market, understanding where the demand is tells you where the opportunity is.
Here’s where the jobs are.
1. Defense and Military Contracting
Virginia Beach sits at the center of one of the largest military concentrations in the world. As the home of several U.S. military bases, Virginia Beach employs thousands of people through NAS Oceana, Training Support Center Hampton Roads, and NAB Little Creek.
Beyond active duty, the defense contractor ecosystem surrounding these bases is massive. Joint base operations in nearby Norfolk bolster demand for logistics coordinators, IT specialists, and administrators supporting military and defense contracts. Hrsbdc
In-demand roles include:
- Defense analysts and intelligence specialists
- Logistics and supply chain coordinators
- IT and cybersecurity professionals with clearances
- Program and project managers
- Administrative and HR support
For entrepreneurs: If you run a defense-adjacent business — consulting, staffing, technical services — Virginia Beach is one of the best markets in the country to operate in.
2. Skilled Trades
This is one of the fastest-growing and most underserved sectors in Hampton Roads right now. The demand for skilled workers in Hampton Roads isn’t just strong — it’s accelerating over time, according to the Hampton Roads Workforce Council. Hrchamber
Skilled trades can give someone a pathway to a family-sustaining career right here in Hampton Roads, whether through apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships, or on-the-job training. Hrchamber
The driver: aging housing stock. The average age of a home in Hampton Roads is nearly 39 years, driving surging demand for foundation repair, water management, structural work, and general contracting services. Hrchamber
In-demand trades in Virginia Beach:
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- HVAC technicians
- General contractors and carpenters
- Foundation and structural repair specialists
- Exterior contractors (roofing, stucco, painting, pressure washing)
For entrepreneurs: Skilled trade businesses in Hampton Roads are booming. If you’re a contractor without a strong online presence, you are leaving money on the table every single day.
3. Healthcare
Virginia Beach has a thriving healthcare sector, with numerous hospitals, clinics, and medical centers offering a wide range of job opportunities for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. SCORE
Healthcare demand is consistent and recession-proof. Top roles in demand locally include:
- Registered Nurses (RNs) and Nurse Practitioners
- Physical and Occupational Therapists
- Medical Assistants and Phlebotomists
- Dental professionals
- Healthcare administrators
The combination of a large military population, retirees, and a growing civilian base keeps healthcare perpetually in high demand across the Hampton Roads region.
4. IT and Cybersecurity
Virginia Beach’s proximity to major military installations has created a thriving cybersecurity and IT sector. Professionals with security clearances are among the most sought-after workers in the region.
The corporate services side of Virginia Beach’s economy is anchored by major employers, including GEICO’s regional operations center with approximately 2,400 employees, Amerigroup with roughly 1,800 employees in healthcare administration, and ADP with 900 workers handling payroll and HR administration. All of these operations require robust IT infrastructure and ongoing technical support. Virginia Beach
In-demand roles:
- Cybersecurity analysts
- Network and systems administrators
- Software developers
- IT project managers
- Data analysts
5. Hospitality and Tourism
Hospitality remains a significant employer thanks to the city’s bustling tourism sector — hotels, restaurants, and recreational operators routinely look to hire staff year-round, though there is a particular influx of seasonal roles during peak visitor months. Hrsbdc
Virginia Beach draws millions of visitors annually to its oceanfront, making hospitality one of the most consistent sources of local employment. Roles range from entry-level to management across hotels, restaurants, event venues, and recreation businesses.
In-demand roles:
- Hotel managers and front desk staff
- Restaurant and food service workers
- Event coordinators
- Retail and tourism operators
6. Advanced Manufacturing
Virginia Beach is home to a bold mix of businesses across defense, biotech, finance, hospitality, and advanced manufacturing. Major manufacturers like STIHL operate significant facilities in the area, creating steady demand for skilled manufacturing workers. Virginiabeach
The advanced manufacturing subsector in Virginia Beach reported a 3.8% unemployment rate for skilled trades through late 2024 — below the regional average — placing the sector in full employment conditions. That means qualified workers are being hired fast. Virginia Beach
7. Real Estate and Construction
Virginia Beach’s real estate market continues to grow, driven by military relocations, retirees, and remote workers relocating to Hampton Roads. This keeps demand high for:
- Real estate agents and property managers
- General contractors and subcontractors
- Home inspectors
- Interior designers and stagers
- Mortgage and title professionals
What This Means If You’re Starting or Growing a Business in Virginia Beach
Every industry on this list is filled with small businesses and independent operators. Trades contractors, healthcare clinics, hospitality businesses, IT consultants — they all have one thing in common: they need customers to find them online.
Virginia Beach is a competitive market. Customers search Google before they call anyone. If your business doesn’t show up — or if your website doesn’t convert visitors into leads — someone else gets the job.
That’s exactly what BuildPRO Business Services™ solves. We build websites and local SEO strategies for small businesses in Virginia Beach that drive real, measurable results.
Ready to get found by customers in Virginia Beach? Get a free consultation with BuildPRO Business Services™
Defense Contracting Industry Opportunities in Virginia Beach
Booming Hospitality Sector Jobs in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach: Top City for Veteran and Military Spouse Employment
Skilled Trades: Meeting the Demand in Virginia Beach
Seizing Opportunities: Your Path to Success in Virginia Beach
Major Companies Driving Job Demand in Virginia Beach
Related Articles