Richmond vs Suffolk: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Richmond, VA and Suffolk, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Suffolk, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,680▲ | $63,780 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.53▲ | $30.66 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,203▲ | $51,347 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,103▲ | $59,520 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,112▲ | $73,747 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,372 | $85,633▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,570▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Suffolk.
The salary gap between Richmond and Suffolk is $3,900 (6.11%). 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 Richmond spans $23,169,Suffolk spans $34,286. Suffolk has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Richmond ($69,161 effective) pays 11.91% more than Suffolk ($61,802 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Suffolk if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($85,633)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Richmond grew 39.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.1% growth in Suffolk over the same period.
Richmond, VA
$46,020 (2019) → $64,030 (2025)
Suffolk, VA
$55,808 (2024) → $60,341 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Richmond, VA
Suffolk, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Richmond or Suffolk?
What is the hourly rate difference between Richmond and Suffolk?
Should I relocate from Richmond to Suffolk as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Richmond vs Suffolk?
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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