Fairfax vs Virginia Beach: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Fairfax, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fairfax, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $87,820 | $90,901▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.22 | $43.70▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,157 | $79,348▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $73,978 | $84,962▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $94,353 | $101,646▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $110,110▲ | $109,935 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 370▲ |
Verdict
Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fairfax.
The salary gap between Fairfax and Virginia Beach is $3,081 (3.51%). Virginia Beach's median is -10.31% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fairfax spans $45,953,Virginia Beach spans $30,587. Fairfax 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 ($92,812 effective) pays 9.07% more than Fairfax ($85,097 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fairfax if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($110,110)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($90,901/year)
- ✓Larger job market (370 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $92,812)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Fairfax grew 3.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.3% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Fairfax, VA
$80,791 (2024) → $83,694 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$71,400 (2019) → $86,630 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fairfax, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Fairfax or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fairfax and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Fairfax to Virginia Beach as a ultrasound technologist?
What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Fairfax vs Virginia Beach?
Related Comparisons
Written by Ravi Patel, RDMS, RVT
Career Analyst
Ravi has 10 years of experience as an ultrasound technologist. He specializes in abdominal and pelvic imaging. He works in a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.93% 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 Ravi Patel, RDMS, RVT, a licensed ultrasound technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov