Norfolk vs Virginia Beach: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Norfolk, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Norfolk, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,054▲ | $68,039 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.20▲ | $32.71 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,704 | $54,150▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $60,603 | $62,183▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $83,555▲ | $76,833 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $93,439▲ | $81,727 |
| Total Employed | 54 | 3,410▲ |
Verdict
Norfolk, VA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Virginia Beach.
The salary gap between Norfolk and Virginia Beach is $1,015 (1.49%). 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,Virginia Beach spans $27,577. 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, Virginia Beach ($69,469 effective) pays 3.82% 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 Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Larger job market (3,410 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,469)
- ✓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 47.7% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Norfolk, VA
$59,335 (2024) → $65,330 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$43,570 (2019) → $64,370 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Norfolk, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Norfolk or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Norfolk and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Norfolk to Virginia Beach as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Norfolk vs Virginia Beach?
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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