Sterling vs Virginia Beach: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer 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 | $64,773▲ | $64,431 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.14▲ | $30.98 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,943▲ | $51,530 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,359 | $60,916▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $76,626▲ | $67,392 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $89,517▲ | $85,022 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 190▲ |
Verdict
Sterling, VA offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Virginia Beach.
The salary gap between Sterling and Virginia Beach is $342 (0.53%). Sterling's median is -0.98% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sterling spans $36,574,Virginia Beach spans $33,492. Sterling 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 ($65,786 effective) pays 4.81% more than Sterling ($62,765 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sterling if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,773/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($89,517)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Larger job market (190 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,786)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Sterling grew 11.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.4% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Sterling, VA
$55,451 (2024) → $61,907 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$51,570 (2019) → $61,580 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sterling, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers 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 athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Sterling vs Virginia Beach?
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Written by Jordan Lee, MS, ATC
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in athletic training. She specializes in injury prevention and rehabilitation. She has worked at several high schools and collegiate athletic programs.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.63% 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 Jordan Lee, MS, ATC, a licensed athletic trainer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov