Virginia Beach vs Woodbridge: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Virginia Beach, VA and Woodbridge, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Virginia Beach, VA | Woodbridge, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,900▲ | $67,604 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.13▲ | $32.51 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,675 | $51,572▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,817▲ | $59,064 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,780▲ | $80,244 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,076 | $101,302▲ |
| Total Employed | 420▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Woodbridge.
The salary gap between Virginia Beach and Woodbridge is $1,296 (1.92%). Virginia Beach's median is +1.11% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Virginia Beach spans $57,401,Woodbridge spans $49,730. Virginia Beach 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, Virginia Beach ($70,348 effective) pays 7.39% more than Woodbridge ($65,508 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,900/year)
- ✓Larger job market (420 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,348)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Woodbridge if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,302)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Virginia Beach grew 31.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.4% growth in Woodbridge over the same period.
Virginia Beach, VA
$49,630 (2019) → $65,370 (2025)
Woodbridge, VA
$55,558 (2024) → $64,140 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Virginia Beach, VA
Woodbridge, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Virginia Beach or Woodbridge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Virginia Beach and Woodbridge?
Should I relocate from Virginia Beach to Woodbridge as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Virginia Beach vs Woodbridge?
Written by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years of experience as a surgical technologist. She specializes in orthopedic surgical procedures. Jessica works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.40% 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 Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov