Salem vs Virginia Beach: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Salem, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salem, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,895 | $68,039▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.24 | $32.71▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,610 | $54,150▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $60,096 | $62,183▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $72,051 | $76,833▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $76,590 | $81,727▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 3,410▲ |
Verdict
Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.
The salary gap between Salem and Virginia Beach is $5,144 (8.18%). Virginia Beach's median is -0.05% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Salem spans $28,980,Virginia Beach spans $27,577. Salem 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 13.99% more than Salem ($60,945 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Salem if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,039/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($81,727)
- ✓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 Salem grew 8.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 47.7% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Salem, VA
$55,033 (2024) → $59,503 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$43,570 (2019) → $64,370 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Salem or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salem and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Salem to Virginia Beach as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Salem 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