Roanoke vs Virginia Beach: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Roanoke, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Roanoke, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,926 | $68,900▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.21 | $33.13▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,155 | $41,675▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $53,891 | $61,817▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $67,382 | $81,780▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,350 | $99,076▲ |
| Total Employed | 110 | 420▲ |
Verdict
Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Roanoke.
The salary gap between Roanoke and Virginia Beach is $3,974 (6.12%). 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 Roanoke spans $45,195,Virginia Beach spans $57,401. Virginia Beach has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced surgical technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Virginia Beach ($70,348 effective) pays 1.44% more than Roanoke ($69,352 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,900/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($99,076)
- ✓Larger job market (420 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,348)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Roanoke grew 66.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 31.7% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Roanoke, VA
$37,050 (2019) → $61,600 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$49,630 (2019) → $65,370 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Roanoke, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Roanoke or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Roanoke and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Roanoke to Virginia Beach as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Roanoke vs Virginia Beach?
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