Sterling vs Virginia Beach: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Sterling, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sterling, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $92,761 | $97,170▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $44.59 | $46.72▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,838 | $67,500▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $73,746 | $78,871▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $118,167 | $121,370▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $143,779▲ | $140,100 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 1,990▲ |
Verdict
Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sterling.
The salary gap between Sterling and Virginia Beach is $4,409 (4.75%). Virginia Beach's median is -6.11% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sterling spans $76,941,Virginia Beach spans $72,600. Sterling 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 ($99,213 effective) pays 10.38% more than Sterling ($89,885 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sterling if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($143,779)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($97,170/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,990 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,213)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Sterling grew -15.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.7% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Sterling, VA
$106,940 (2024) → $90,384 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$82,520 (2019) → $94,680 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sterling, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Sterling or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Sterling and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Sterling to Virginia Beach as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Sterling vs Virginia Beach?
Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% 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 Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov