Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Fredericksburg, VA: $48,296 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Fredericksburg, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,296 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Fredericksburg's local price level (BEA RPP 103.2 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $46,798 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($63,152) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fredericksburg, Virginia, the starting licensed practical nurse salary can be set at $48,296 in 2026, which represents an entry-level earning potential that new graduates should be aware of as they begin their careers. This amount sits considerably below the city’s median of $63,152, highlighting a gap that early-career nurses can bridge through experience and skill development over time. As LPNs progress in their roles, they typically see growth to the 25th percentile salary of $60,643 within a few years, allowing them to aim for the median pay as they build their experience. Given the projected annual growth rate of 5.70%, Fredericksburg presents a practical market for new LPN graduates who are keen to establish themselves in the healthcare landscape while working towards improved salary prospects.
About the Fredericksburg Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Fredericksburg
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 Fredericksburg
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Fredericksburg, VA typically start between $48,296 and $60,643 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $33,154 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $63,152 — 7.23% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Virginia of $14,000 represents just 28.99% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($48,296/year) in Fredericksburg. 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 Fredericksburg
- 1Research the Fredericksburg market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $48,296 to $60,643, 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 Fredericksburg, 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 Fredericksburg for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Fredericksburg'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 Fredericksburg is $33,154 ( 68.65%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,296, experienced hygienists can earn up to $81,450.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,747
2025 BLS Actual
$45,692
2026 Current Est.
$48,296
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Fredericksburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,747 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,675 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,127 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,195 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,953 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,087 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,692 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,296 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,049 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Fredericksburg, VA grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,747 in 2019 to $45,692 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $51,049. New graduates entering the Fredericksburg job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fredericksburg 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 Fredericksburg
In terms of career opportunities, Fredericksburg hosts numerous employers actively hiring entry-level licensed practical nurses. Skilled nursing facilities are particularly notable for onboarding new graduates, often providing on-the-job orientation to ease the transition into professional life. Home health agencies are also favorable, as they tend to offer flexible scheduling options, accommodating the needs of recent graduates. To boost starting pay, candidates should ensure they possess an active LPN/LVN license, a diploma from an accredited program, and have successfully passed the NCLEX-PN exam. Credentials such as IV therapy or wound care certifications can further enhance earning potential in this area. New LPNs in Fredericksburg should aim for the long-term care sector, which employs a significant percentage of LPNs, as many hospitals have shifted toward staffing primarily with RNs. Over the first few years, realistic salary growth will depend on factors like performance, additional certifications, and continued professional education, positioning those who strategically navigate the landscape for better career opportunities as they transition to roles that may offer even greater rewards.
More salary data for Fredericksburg, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Fredericksburg. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fredericksburg 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