Virginia Beach vs Winchester: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Virginia Beach, VA and Winchester, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Virginia Beach, VA | Winchester, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $90,901▲ | $87,585 |
| Hourly Rate | $43.70▲ | $42.11 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,348▲ | $76,148 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,962 | $85,329▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $101,646▲ | $101,436 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $109,935▲ | $106,640 |
| Total Employed | 370▲ | 40 |
Verdict
Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Winchester.
The salary gap between Virginia Beach and Winchester is $3,316 (3.79%). 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 Virginia Beach spans $30,587,Winchester spans $30,492. 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 ($92,812 effective) pays 2.21% more than Winchester ($90,809 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 ($90,901/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($109,935)
- ✓Larger job market (370 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $92,812)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Winchester if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Virginia Beach grew 21.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.7% growth in Winchester over the same period.
Virginia Beach, VA
$71,400 (2019) → $86,630 (2025)
Winchester, VA
$76,780 (2019) → $83,470 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Virginia Beach, VA
Winchester, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Virginia Beach or Winchester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Virginia Beach and Winchester?
Should I relocate from Virginia Beach to Winchester as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Virginia Beach vs Winchester?
Related Comparisons
Written by Aisha Khan, RDMS, RVT
Career Analyst
Aisha has over 10 years of experience in abdominal sonography. She works at a regional hospital. Aisha also conducts training for new sonographers.
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 Aisha Khan, RDMS, RVT, a licensed diagnostic medical sonographer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov