Hampton vs Richmond: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Hampton, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hampton, VA | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,796 | $67,680▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.15 | $32.53▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,719 | $59,203▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $59,551 | $63,103▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $79,166▲ | $78,112 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $85,945▲ | $82,372 |
| Total Employed | 24 | 2,570▲ |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hampton.
The salary gap between Hampton and Richmond is $2,884 (4.45%). 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 Hampton spans $35,226,Richmond spans $23,169. Hampton 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 10.15% more than Hampton ($62,787 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hampton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($85,945)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,680/year)
- ✓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 Hampton grew 8.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 39.1% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Hampton, VA
$56,697 (2024) → $61,302 (2025)
Richmond, VA
$46,020 (2019) → $64,030 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hampton, VA
Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Hampton or Richmond?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hampton and Richmond?
Should I relocate from Hampton to Richmond as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Hampton 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