If you're considering a career in nursing or looking to relocate, you may be asking: How much do nurses make in Virginia? Salary data varies by location, experience, credentials, and the type of facility. However, Virginia continues to offer competitive wages across nursing roles—especially in metro areas and specialized fields.
Here’s a breakdown of nurse pay in Virginia and what influences compensation across the state.
Average Nurse Salary in Virginia
According to recent labor data, the average salary for a registered nurse (RN) in Virginia is approximately $82,000 per year, or around $39 to $41 per hour. This is slightly below the national average but balanced by Virginia’s cost of living, especially outside the Northern Virginia and DC metro areas.
RN Salary by Experience
Experience plays a major role in determining how much nurses make in Virginia. Here's a general progression:
Entry-level RN (0–2 years): $60,000–$68,000
Mid-career RN (3–7 years): $70,000–$82,000
Experienced RN (8–15 years): $83,000–$92,000
Veteran RN (15+ years): $93,000+
Nurses with certifications in critical care, emergency medicine, or surgical nursing may earn more.
Nurse Pay by Region
Geography significantly affects how much nurses make in Virginia. Salaries are typically higher in urban and high-cost regions.
| Region | Average RN Salary |
|---|---|
| Northern Virginia / DC Suburbs | $88,000–$94,000 |
| Richmond | $79,000–$84,000 |
| Hampton Roads / Virginia Beach | $76,000–$81,000 |
| Roanoke / Southwest Virginia | $72,000–$77,000 |
| Rural Counties | $65,000–$70,000 |
Hospitals in Fairfax, Arlington, and Alexandria often offer retention bonuses and competitive shiftdifferentials to attract qualified RNs.
LPN and CNA Salary Data
If you're looking at entry-level roles, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) also offer a path into healthcare.
LPN salary in Virginia: $50,000–$56,000 annually
CNA salary in Virginia: $30,000–$36,000 annually
Many LPNs later enroll in bridge programs to become RNs, which significantly increases earning potential.
Advanced Nursing Roles
Advanced practice nurses and specialists in Virginia command higher salaries. Here’s how some of these roles compare:
Nurse Practitioners (NPs): $105,000–$120,000
Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs): $180,000–$210,000
Nurse Educators and Clinical Leaders: $90,000–$110,000
NPs with a master’s or DNP often earn top-tier wages in outpatient clinics and private practice settings, especially in underserved areas.
What Affects Nurse Pay in Virginia?
Several factors can impact how much you earn as a nurse in Virginia:
Specialization: ICU, OR, NICU, and ER nurses typically earn more
Shift Differentials: Night and weekend shifts pay extra
Certifications: BLS, ACLS, CCRN, and other credentials boost earnings
Facility Type: Private hospitals and teaching hospitals often pay more
Union Representation: Some facilities negotiate higher base rates
Final Thoughts
So, how much do nurses make in Virginia? Salaries range widely based on experience, location, and credentials—but overall, the state offers solid pay and strong job demand. Whether you're an aspiring RN or a seasoned nurse looking to relocate, Virginia continues to be a stable and rewarding place to build a career in healthcare.