Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Richmond, VA: $59,203 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Richmond, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $59,203 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Richmond's local price level (BEA RPP 97.9 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $60,499 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($67,680) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
New graduates stepping into the role of a licensed practical nurse in Richmond, VA, can expect starting salaries that hover around $59,203 per year in 2026. When compared to the city’s median annual salary of $67,680, this initial figure indicates a substantial gap yet provides a base for new LPNs to grow professionally. Entry-level LPNs often experience a roadmap for increase in compensation, where salaries may elevate to approximately $63,103 as they gain experience. Given Richmond's healthcare environment and a projected growth rate of 5.70% annually for LPN positions, the market appears favorable for new graduates, especially those ready to embark on their career journey in a vibrant city with ample opportunities for professional development.
Career Earnings Timeline in Richmond
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 Richmond
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Richmond, VA typically start between $59,203 and $63,103 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $23,169 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $67,680 — 0.57% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Virginia of $14,000 represents just 23.65% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($59,203/year) in Richmond. 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 Richmond
- 1Research the Richmond market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $59,203 to $63,103, 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 Richmond, 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 Richmond for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Richmond'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 Richmond is $23,169 ( 39.13%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $59,203, experienced hygienists can earn up to $82,372.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$35,300
2025 BLS Actual
$56,010
2026 Current Est.
$59,203
2019–2027 Growth
+77.3%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Richmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,300 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,930 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,550 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,830 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,170 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,140 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,010 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,203 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,577 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Richmond, VA grew 58.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $35,300 in 2019 to $56,010 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $62,577. New graduates entering the Richmond job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richmond 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 Richmond
For aspiring LPNs, understanding where to seek employment can significantly influence starting pay. Richmond's skilled nursing facilities are prominent employers, known for hiring new grads and providing comprehensive on-the-job orientation. Additionally, home health agencies offer flexible hours that can appeal to many newcomers. Those considering opportunities in physician offices should note that prior clinical experience can be advantageous. While the pursuit of an active LPN license and completion of a 12- to 18-month practical nursing program are essential, pursuing optional certifications, such as IV therapy or wound care, can further enhance earning potential. In the first few years on the job, LPNs often find themselves progressing toward higher salaries as they accumulate practical experience and may even consider LPN-to-RN bridge programs to expand their professional horizons, adapting to the shifting landscape where hospitals increasingly favor all-RN staffing models.
More salary data for Richmond, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Richmond. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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