Norfolk vs Sterling: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Norfolk, VA and Sterling, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Norfolk, VA | Sterling, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $531,346▲ | $405,093 |
| Hourly Rate | $255.45▲ | $194.76 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $308,181▲ | $234,954 |
| 25th Percentile | $382,569▲ | $291,667 |
| 75th Percentile | $680,123▲ | $502,872 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $790,084▲ | $561,174 |
| Total Employed | 54▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Norfolk, VA offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sterling.
The salary gap between Norfolk and Sterling is $126,253 (31.17%). Norfolk's median is +29.88% compared to the US national median of $409,107.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Norfolk spans $481,903,Sterling spans $326,220. Norfolk 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, Norfolk ($514,870 effective) pays 31.17% more than Sterling ($392,532 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Norfolk if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($531,346/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($790,084)
- ✓Larger job market (54 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $514,870)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Sterling if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in Norfolk grew 24.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 3.0% growth in Sterling over the same period.
Norfolk, VA
$409,951 (2024) → $508,465 (2025)
Sterling, VA
$376,272 (2024) → $387,649 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Norfolk, VA
Sterling, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: Norfolk or Sterling?
What is the hourly rate difference between Norfolk and Sterling?
Should I relocate from Norfolk to Sterling as a anesthesiologist?
What do entry-level anesthesiologists earn in Norfolk vs Sterling?
Written by Dr. Maria Chen, MD
Career Analyst
Dr. Chen has over 10 years of experience in anesthesiology. She specializes in perioperative care at a major metropolitan hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.50% 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 Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed anesthesiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov