Chesapeake vs Danville: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Chesapeake, VA and Danville, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chesapeake, VA | Danville, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,061 | $46,228▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.78 | $22.23▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $27,274 | $35,252▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $32,946 | $37,981▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $49,997 | $55,604▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $60,543 | $64,706▲ |
| Total Employed | 63▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Danville, VA offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Chesapeake.
The salary gap between Chesapeake and Danville is $7,167 (18.35%). Danville's median is -3.13% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chesapeake spans $33,269,Danville spans $29,454. 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, Danville ($44,795 effective) pays 18.35% more than Chesapeake ($37,850 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chesapeake if…
- ✓Larger job market (63 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Danville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,228/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($64,706)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,795)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Chesapeake grew -20.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -0.1% growth in Danville over the same period.
Chesapeake, VA
$46,952 (2024) → $37,479 (2025)
Danville, VA
$44,396 (2024) → $44,356 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chesapeake, VA
Danville, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Chesapeake or Danville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chesapeake and Danville?
Should I relocate from Chesapeake to Danville as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Chesapeake vs Danville?
Related Comparisons
Written by Amina Patel, CCSVP
Career Analyst
Amina has 8 years of experience in sterile processing. She specialized in instrument sterilization techniques in a large hospital. Amina analyzes career trends for sterile processing technicians.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.22% 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 Amina Patel, CCSVP, a licensed sterile processing technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov