Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Virginia Beach, VA: $54,150 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Virginia Beach, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $54,150 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Virginia Beach's local price level (BEA RPP 97.9 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $55,288 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($68,039) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
New graduates entering the licensed practical nurse (LPN) profession in Virginia Beach can anticipate a starting salary around $54,150 in 2026. This figure is a tangible entry point into the field, significantly lower than the city’s median salary of $68,039. The gap of approximately $13,889 reflects the common starting phase for new LPNs, who can expect their earnings to increase as they gain experience. In the first three to five years, many new grads may see their salaries elevate to around $62,183, moving toward the city median as they enhance their skill sets and gain valuable on-the-job experience. Given the projected growth rate of 5.70% annually in Virginia Beach, new graduates can feel optimistic about their earning potential and job stability in the local nursing market.
Career Earnings Timeline in Virginia Beach
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 Virginia Beach
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Virginia Beach, VA typically start between $54,150 and $62,183 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $27,577 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $68,039 — 0.05% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Virginia of $14,000 represents just 25.85% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($54,150/year) in Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach
- 1Research the Virginia Beach market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $54,150 to $62,183, 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 Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Virginia Beach'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 Virginia Beach is $27,577 ( 50.93%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $54,150, experienced hygienists can earn up to $81,727.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,710
2025 BLS Actual
$51,230
2026 Current Est.
$54,150
2019–2027 Growth
+69.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Virginia Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,710 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,280 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,020 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,080 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,560 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,350 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,230 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,150 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,237 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Virginia Beach, VA grew 52.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,710 in 2019 to $51,230 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $57,237. New graduates entering the Virginia Beach job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach
For those beginning their careers as licensed practical nurses in Virginia Beach, it’s essential to know which employers are likely to hire and support new grads. Skilled nursing facilities generally provide ample opportunities, often offering on-the-job orientation that is particularly beneficial for fresh graduates. Home health agencies also present attractive options with flexible scheduling, allowing for a more balanced work-life dynamic. Candidates interested in physician offices should focus on obtaining relevant clinic experience to stand out. Credentials play an important role in boosting starting pay in VA. An active LPN/LVN license from the state board of nursing, a 12- to 18-month practical nursing diploma from an accredited program, and passing the NCLEX-PN are critical benchmarks. Additionally, certifications in IV therapy or wound care can enhance employment prospects. In the initial years of practice, LPNs may explore LPN-to-RN bridge pathways, given that a significant portion of LPNs is employed in long-term care settings. Realistic salary growth in the first three years is achievable, with experienced LPNs gradually approaching the higher tiers of the pay scale, reflecting their advancements in skill and responsibility within the nursing framework of Virginia Beach.
More salary data for Virginia Beach, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Virginia Beach in 2026?
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Is nursing school worth it in Virginia Beach?
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Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Virginia
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 Virginia Beach. 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