Norfolk vs Roanoke: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Norfolk, VA and Roanoke, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Norfolk, VA | Roanoke, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,054▲ | $64,699 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.20▲ | $31.11 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,704 | $53,949▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $60,603 | $62,648▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $83,555▲ | $71,802 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $93,439▲ | $76,664 |
| Total Employed | 54 | 950▲ |
Verdict
Norfolk, VA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Roanoke.
The salary gap between Norfolk and Roanoke is $4,355 (6.73%). Norfolk's median is +1.44% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Norfolk spans $43,735,Roanoke spans $22,715. Norfolk 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 3.28% more than Norfolk ($66,913 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Norfolk if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,054/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($93,439)
- ✓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 Norfolk grew 10.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 37.4% growth in Roanoke over the same period.
Norfolk, VA
$59,335 (2024) → $65,330 (2025)
Roanoke, VA
$44,540 (2019) → $61,210 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Norfolk, VA
Roanoke, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Norfolk or Roanoke?
What is the hourly rate difference between Norfolk and Roanoke?
Should I relocate from Norfolk to Roanoke as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Norfolk vs Roanoke?
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