Roanoke vs Waynesboro: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Roanoke, VA and Waynesboro, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Roanoke, VA | Waynesboro, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,699▲ | $61,627 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.11▲ | $29.63 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,949▲ | $49,307 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,648▲ | $56,839 |
| 75th Percentile | $71,802▲ | $68,988 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $76,664 | $77,694▲ |
| Total Employed | 950▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Roanoke, VA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Waynesboro.
The salary gap between Roanoke and Waynesboro is $3,072 (4.98%). Roanoke's median is -4.95% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Roanoke spans $22,715,Waynesboro spans $28,387. Waynesboro 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, Roanoke ($69,110 effective) pays 15.73% more than Waynesboro ($59,716 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,699/year)
- ✓Larger job market (950 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,110)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Waynesboro if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($77,694)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Roanoke grew 37.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.1% growth in Waynesboro over the same period.
Roanoke, VA
$44,540 (2019) → $61,210 (2025)
Waynesboro, VA
$53,924 (2024) → $58,304 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Roanoke, VA
Waynesboro, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Roanoke or Waynesboro?
What is the hourly rate difference between Roanoke and Waynesboro?
Should I relocate from Roanoke to Waynesboro as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Roanoke vs Waynesboro?
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