Reston vs Roanoke: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Reston, VA and Roanoke, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Reston, VA | Roanoke, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,436 | $64,699▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.49 | $31.11▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,526 | $53,949▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $58,789 | $62,648▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $75,358▲ | $71,802 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,175▲ | $76,664 |
| Total Employed | 16 | 950▲ |
Verdict
Roanoke, VA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Reston.
The salary gap between Reston and Roanoke is $1,263 (1.99%). Roanoke's median is -4.95% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Reston spans $31,649,Roanoke spans $22,715. Reston 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, Roanoke ($69,110 effective) pays 12.43% more than Reston ($61,469 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Reston if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,175)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,699/year)
- ✓Larger job market (950 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,110)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Reston grew 8.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 37.4% growth in Roanoke over the same period.
Reston, VA
$55,507 (2024) → $60,015 (2025)
Roanoke, VA
$44,540 (2019) → $61,210 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Reston, VA
Roanoke, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Reston or Roanoke?
What is the hourly rate difference between Reston and Roanoke?
Should I relocate from Reston to Roanoke as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Reston 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