Richmond vs Sterling: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Richmond, VA and Sterling, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Sterling, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,919▲ | $68,066 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.39▲ | $32.72 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,810▲ | $40,803 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,869▲ | $49,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $113,668▲ | $87,124 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $139,198▲ | $105,502 |
| Total Employed | 1,050▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sterling.
The salary gap between Richmond and Sterling is $13,853 (20.35%). Richmond's median is +1.90% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Richmond spans $93,388,Sterling spans $64,699. Richmond 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, Richmond ($83,712 effective) pays 26.92% more than Sterling ($65,955 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($81,919/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($139,198)
- ✓Larger job market (1,050 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $83,712)
- ✓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, data analyst salaries in Richmond grew -23.2% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -48.6% growth in Sterling over the same period.
Richmond, VA
$102,090 (2021) → $78,406 (2025)
Sterling, VA
$126,744 (2024) → $65,147 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Richmond, VA
Sterling, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Richmond or Sterling?
What is the hourly rate difference between Richmond and Sterling?
Should I relocate from Richmond to Sterling as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in Richmond vs Sterling?
Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% 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 Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov