Richmond vs Staunton: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Richmond, VA and Staunton, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Staunton, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,680 | $68,367▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.53 | $32.87▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,203▲ | $54,478 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,103▲ | $61,908 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,112▲ | $76,685 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,372 | $83,683▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,570▲ | 270 |
Verdict
Staunton, VA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Richmond.
The salary gap between Richmond and Staunton is $687 (1.02%). Staunton's median is +0.43% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Richmond spans $23,169,Staunton spans $29,205. Staunton has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Staunton ($75,023 effective) pays 8.48% more than Richmond ($69,161 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,570 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Staunton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,367/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,683)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,023)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Richmond grew 39.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 47.6% growth in Staunton over the same period.
Richmond, VA
$46,020 (2019) → $64,030 (2025)
Staunton, VA
$43,820 (2019) → $64,680 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Richmond, VA
Staunton, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Richmond or Staunton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Richmond and Staunton?
Should I relocate from Richmond to Staunton as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Richmond vs Staunton?
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