Alexandria vs Roanoke: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Alexandria, VA and Roanoke, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Alexandria, VA | Roanoke, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,508▲ | $64,699 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.22▲ | $31.11 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,474▲ | $53,949 |
| 25th Percentile | $73,314▲ | $62,648 |
| 75th Percentile | $95,690▲ | $71,802 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,665▲ | $76,664 |
| Total Employed | 26 | 950▲ |
Verdict
Alexandria, VA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Roanoke.
The salary gap between Alexandria and Roanoke is $14,809 (22.89%). Alexandria's median is +16.80% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Alexandria spans $43,191,Roanoke spans $22,715. Alexandria 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, Alexandria ($77,043 effective) pays 11.48% more than Roanoke ($69,110 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Alexandria if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($79,508/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,665)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,043)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Larger job market (950 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Alexandria grew 32.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 37.4% growth in Roanoke over the same period.
Alexandria, VA
$56,844 (2024) → $75,220 (2025)
Roanoke, VA
$44,540 (2019) → $61,210 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Alexandria, VA
Roanoke, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Alexandria or Roanoke?
What is the hourly rate difference between Alexandria and Roanoke?
Should I relocate from Alexandria to Roanoke as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Alexandria vs Roanoke?
Related Comparisons
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov