Suffolk vs Virginia Beach: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Suffolk, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Suffolk, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,488▲ | $38,909 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.36▲ | $18.71 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,005▲ | $34,878 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,582▲ | $38,200 |
| 75th Percentile | $55,951▲ | $48,314 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $70,356▲ | $56,118 |
| Total Employed | 15 | 560▲ |
Verdict
Suffolk, VA offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Virginia Beach.
The salary gap between Suffolk and Virginia Beach is $7,579 (19.48%). Suffolk's median is -2.59% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Suffolk spans $33,351,Virginia Beach spans $21,240. Suffolk 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, Suffolk ($45,047 effective) pays 13.39% more than Virginia Beach ($39,727 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Suffolk if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,488/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($70,356)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,047)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Larger job market (560 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Suffolk grew -0.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.9% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Suffolk, VA
$44,646 (2024) → $44,606 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$31,940 (2019) → $37,334 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Suffolk, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Suffolk or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Suffolk and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Suffolk to Virginia Beach as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Suffolk vs Virginia Beach?
Related Comparisons
Written by Amina Patel, CCSVP
Career Analyst
Amina has 8 years of experience in sterile processing. She specialized in instrument sterilization techniques in a large hospital. Amina analyzes career trends for sterile processing technicians.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.22% 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 Amina Patel, CCSVP, a licensed sterile processing technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov