Bristol vs Richmond: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Bristol, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bristol, VA | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,445 | $67,680▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.10 | $32.53▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,049 | $59,203▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $54,795 | $63,103▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $67,548 | $78,112▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $71,545 | $82,372▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 2,570▲ |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bristol.
The salary gap between Bristol and Richmond is $9,235 (15.80%). Richmond's median is -0.57% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bristol spans $23,496,Richmond spans $23,169. Bristol 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, Richmond ($69,161 effective) pays 22.12% more than Bristol ($56,633 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bristol if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,680/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,372)
- ✓Larger job market (2,570 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,161)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Bristol grew 1.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 39.1% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Bristol, VA
$54,582 (2024) → $55,293 (2025)
Richmond, VA
$46,020 (2019) → $64,030 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bristol, VA
Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Bristol or Richmond?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bristol and Richmond?
Should I relocate from Bristol to Richmond as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Bristol vs Richmond?
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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