Sterling vs Virginia Beach: Dialysis Technician Salary (2026)
Compare dialysis technician salaries between Sterling, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sterling, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,176 | $39,969▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.83 | $19.21▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,559 | $33,579▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $34,553▲ | $34,210 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,650 | $50,603▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $60,723 | $67,401▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 840▲ |
Verdict
Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for dialysis technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sterling.
The salary gap between Sterling and Virginia Beach is $793 (2.02%). Virginia Beach's median is -11.81% compared to the US national median of $45,322.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sterling spans $29,164,Virginia Beach spans $33,822. Virginia Beach has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dialysis technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Virginia Beach ($40,809 effective) pays 7.50% 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 Sterling if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($39,969/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($67,401)
- ✓Larger job market (840 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $40,809)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dialysis technician salaries in Sterling grew -12.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 5.8% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Sterling, VA
$43,568 (2024) → $38,254 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$36,880 (2021) → $39,028 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sterling, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dialysis technicians more: Sterling or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Sterling and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Sterling to Virginia Beach as a dialysis technician?
What do entry-level dialysis technicians earn in Sterling vs Virginia Beach?
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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