Virginia Beach vs Waynesboro: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Virginia Beach, VA and Waynesboro, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Virginia Beach, VA | Waynesboro, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,039▲ | $61,627 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.71▲ | $29.63 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,150▲ | $49,307 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,183▲ | $56,839 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,833▲ | $68,988 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $81,727▲ | $77,694 |
| Total Employed | 3,410▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waynesboro.
The salary gap between Virginia Beach and Waynesboro is $6,412 (10.40%). Virginia Beach's median is -0.05% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Virginia Beach spans $27,577,Waynesboro spans $28,387. Waynesboro 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, Virginia Beach ($69,469 effective) pays 16.33% more than Waynesboro ($59,716 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,039/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($81,727)
- ✓Larger job market (3,410 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,469)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Waynesboro if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Virginia Beach grew 47.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.1% growth in Waynesboro over the same period.
Virginia Beach, VA
$43,570 (2019) → $64,370 (2025)
Waynesboro, VA
$53,924 (2024) → $58,304 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Virginia Beach, VA
Waynesboro, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Virginia Beach or Waynesboro?
What is the hourly rate difference between Virginia Beach and Waynesboro?
Should I relocate from Virginia Beach to Waynesboro as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Virginia Beach vs Waynesboro?
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