Charlottesville vs Sterling: Dialysis Technician Salary (2026)
Compare dialysis technician salaries between Charlottesville, VA and Sterling, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlottesville, VA | Sterling, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,831▲ | $39,176 |
| Hourly Rate | $27.80▲ | $18.83 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,661▲ | $31,559 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,049▲ | $34,553 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,389▲ | $49,650 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $96,583▲ | $60,723 |
| Total Employed | 90▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Charlottesville, VA offers better overall compensation for dialysis technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sterling.
The salary gap between Charlottesville and Sterling is $18,655 (47.62%). Charlottesville's median is +27.60% compared to the US national median of $45,322.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charlottesville spans $60,922,Sterling spans $29,164. Charlottesville 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, Charlottesville ($58,329 effective) pays 53.65% more than Sterling ($37,961 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charlottesville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($57,831/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,583)
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $58,329)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Sterling if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dialysis technician salaries in Charlottesville grew 38.7% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -12.2% growth in Sterling over the same period.
Charlottesville, VA
$40,700 (2021) → $56,470 (2025)
Sterling, VA
$43,568 (2024) → $38,254 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlottesville, VA
Sterling, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dialysis technicians more: Charlottesville or Sterling?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charlottesville and Sterling?
Should I relocate from Charlottesville to Sterling as a dialysis technician?
What do entry-level dialysis technicians earn in Charlottesville vs Sterling?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jessica Tran, CCRN
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years as a dialysis technician. She specializes in chronic kidney disease management. She works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.41% 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 Jessica Tran, CCRN, a licensed dialysis technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov