Newport News vs Roanoke: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Newport News, VA and Roanoke, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Newport News, VA | Roanoke, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,372▲ | $64,699 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.42▲ | $31.11 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,810 | $53,949▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $60,764 | $62,648▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $79,122▲ | $71,802 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $87,882▲ | $76,664 |
| Total Employed | 39 | 950▲ |
Verdict
Newport News, VA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Roanoke.
The salary gap between Newport News and Roanoke is $673 (1.04%). Newport News's median is -3.96% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Newport News spans $36,072,Roanoke spans $22,715. Newport News 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, Roanoke ($69,110 effective) pays 9.10% more than Newport News ($63,345 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Newport News if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,372/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($87,882)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Larger job market (950 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,110)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Newport News grew 8.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 37.4% growth in Roanoke over the same period.
Newport News, VA
$57,201 (2024) → $61,847 (2025)
Roanoke, VA
$44,540 (2019) → $61,210 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Newport News, VA
Roanoke, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Newport News or Roanoke?
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Should I relocate from Newport News to Roanoke as a licensed practical nurse?
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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