Chesapeake vs Virginia Beach: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Chesapeake, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chesapeake, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $91,253▲ | $90,901 |
| Hourly Rate | $43.87▲ | $43.70 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,402 | $79,348▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $76,818 | $84,962▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $106,008▲ | $101,646 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $131,392▲ | $109,935 |
| Total Employed | 63 | 370▲ |
Verdict
Chesapeake, VA offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Virginia Beach.
The salary gap between Chesapeake and Virginia Beach is $352 (0.39%). Chesapeake's median is -9.96% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chesapeake spans $72,990,Virginia Beach spans $30,587. Chesapeake 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 4.96% more than Chesapeake ($88,423 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chesapeake if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($91,253/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($131,392)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓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, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Chesapeake grew -0.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.3% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Chesapeake, VA
$87,501 (2024) → $86,966 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$71,400 (2019) → $86,630 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chesapeake, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Chesapeake or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chesapeake and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Chesapeake to Virginia Beach as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Chesapeake vs Virginia Beach?
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