Norfolk vs Sterling: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist 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 | $248,837▲ | $246,451 |
| Hourly Rate | $119.63▲ | $118.49 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $151,583 | $172,365▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $208,099 | $216,236▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $317,294▲ | $303,790 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $373,110▲ | $344,246 |
| Total Employed | 54▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Norfolk, VA offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sterling.
The salary gap between Norfolk and Sterling is $2,386 (0.97%). Norfolk's median is -0.02% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Norfolk spans $221,527,Sterling spans $171,881. 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 ($241,121 effective) pays 0.97% more than Sterling ($238,809 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 ($248,837/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($373,110)
- ✓Larger job market (54 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $241,121)
- ✓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, nurse anesthetist salaries in Norfolk grew 2.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 10.0% growth in Sterling over the same period.
Norfolk, VA
$231,946 (2024) → $236,537 (2025)
Sterling, VA
$212,891 (2024) → $234,269 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Norfolk, VA
Sterling, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Norfolk or Sterling?
What is the hourly rate difference between Norfolk and Sterling?
Should I relocate from Norfolk to Sterling as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Norfolk vs Sterling?
Written by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA
Career Analyst
Alexandra Johnson has 10 years of experience as a nurse anesthetist. She specializes in anesthesia for orthopedic surgeries. She works in a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.20% 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 Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA, a licensed nurse anesthetist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov