Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Alexandria, VA: $62,474 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Alexandria, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $62,474 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Alexandria's local price level (BEA RPP 103.2 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $60,537 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($79,508) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Alexandria, VA, new graduates entering the licensed practical nurse (LPN) field can expect a starting salary ranging from $62,474, with potential upward movement as they gain experience. This entry-level salary may seem modest compared to the city’s median annual salary of $79,508, but it offers a promising trajectory, as early-career LPNs can reach the 25th percentile salary of $73,314 within a few years. With a robust growth rate of 5.70% projected annually, the Alexandria market currently presents ample opportunities for new LPNs to establish themselves and progress in their careers, particularly as the demand for skilled nursing care continues to rise.
About the Alexandria Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Alexandria
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Alexandria
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Alexandria, VA typically start between $62,474 and $73,314 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $43,191 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $79,508 — 16.8% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Virginia of $14,000 represents just 22.41% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($62,474/year) in Alexandria. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on state board of nursing-approved practical nursing programs and ACEN-accredited certificate pathways. Tuition varies by community college, technical school, or hospital-based program setting.
LPN Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Alexandria
- 1Research the Alexandria market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $62,474 to $73,314, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the nursing field — employers in VA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Alexandria, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Alexandria for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Alexandria's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Licensed Practical Nurse Compensation Range
The licensed practical nurse wage spread in Alexandria is $43,191 ( 69.13%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $62,474, experienced hygienists can earn up to $105,665.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$41,067
2025 BLS Actual
$59,105
2026 Current Est.
$62,474
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Alexandria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,067 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,267 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,145 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,113 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,269 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,497 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,105 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,474 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,035 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Alexandria, VA grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $41,067 in 2019 to $59,105 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $66,035. New graduates entering the Alexandria job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alexandria metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your nursing Career in Alexandria
For those starting their careers in Alexandria as licensed practical nurses, various employers typically hire newly graduated nurses. Skilled nursing facilities are ideal for newbies, often providing structured on-the-job orientation. Home health agencies can offer flexible scheduling, making them attractive for fresh graduates seeking work-life balance. To enhance entry-level pay in Virginia, candidates should focus on obtaining an active LPN license from the state board, completing a 12- to 18-month practical nursing diploma, and passing the NCLEX-PN. While most positions will utilize foundational nursing skills, pursuing additional certifications in IV therapy or wound care can significantly enhance career prospects. Given that long-term care settings employ about 35% of LPNs nationally, aspirants should consider positions that provide exposure to diverse care aspects as they plan for potential LPN-to-RN bridge programs, paving the way for future salary increases and expanded opportunities.
More salary data for Alexandria, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Alexandria in 2026?
How fast do licensed practical nurse salaries grow in Alexandria?
Is nursing school worth it in Alexandria?
What do new licensed practical nurses make right out of school in Alexandria?
How do I become a licensed practical nurse in Virginia?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new nursing graduates. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Alexandria. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Alexandria is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for licensed practical nurses (SOC 29-2061).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov