Lake Ridge vs Richmond: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Lake Ridge, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lake Ridge, VA | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,159 | $67,680▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.88 | $32.53▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,178 | $59,203▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $57,115 | $63,103▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $72,731 | $78,112▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,115 | $82,372▲ |
| Total Employed | 10 | 2,570▲ |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lake Ridge.
The salary gap between Lake Ridge and Richmond is $5,521 (8.88%). 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 Lake Ridge spans $28,937,Richmond spans $23,169. Lake Ridge 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 14.83% more than Lake Ridge ($60,232 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lake Ridge 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 Lake Ridge grew 8.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 39.1% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Lake Ridge, VA
$54,390 (2024) → $58,807 (2025)
Richmond, VA
$46,020 (2019) → $64,030 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lake Ridge, VA
Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Lake Ridge or Richmond?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lake Ridge and Richmond?
Should I relocate from Lake Ridge to Richmond as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Lake Ridge 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