Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Chesapeake, VA: $32.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Chesapeake, VA runs $32.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,303 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Chesapeake's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,986 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Chesapeake, Virginia, the licensed practical nurse hourly pay stands at a median rate of $32.84, slightly above the national median of $32.73. This competitive hourly wage allows many LPNs to find flexible work arrangements, making it attractive for part-time practitioners who may work three days a week in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, home health, and physician offices. The hourly range for LPNs in the area varies widely, from $23.21 for entry-level positions to $45.78 for top earners, indicating significant growth potential in the field. These figures are derived from annual salary data, illustrating how a career as a licensed practical nurse can be financially rewarding while providing critical healthcare services.
About the Chesapeake Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.21 | $185.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.31 | $242.52 |
| Median (P50) | $32.84 | $262.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.62 | $324.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.78 | $366.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chesapeake
Based on $32.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.84/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chesapeake, VA can expect to earn approximately $68,309 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,409. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chesapeake.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chesapeake
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,313.64 | $5,692 | $68,309 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $788.18 | $3,415 | $40,986 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $525.46 | $2,277 | $27,324 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Chesapeake) | $32.84 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) (National Avg) | $18.60 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
| Home Health / Personal Care Aide (National Avg) | $16.80 |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Chesapeake, VA earn a median of $68,303 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.34% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 5.30% above the Virginia state average of $64,865.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.84/hr = $40,986/year (purchasing power: $39,715).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,309/year (purchasing power: $66,191).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Chesapeake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Chesapeake grew 35.6% from $22.91/hr (2019) to $31.07/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.71/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem licensed practical nurses can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chesapeake 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.
Working as an Hourly Licensed Practical Nurse in Chesapeake
Part-time licensed practical nurses working three days a week can expect to take home a substantial amount annually compared to full-time employment, reflecting a deliberate choice for more work-life balance. For those considering per diem opportunities, the pay in Chesapeake typically ranges from $28 to $42 per hour; agency LPNs might earn between $45 and $60 per hour, particularly in high-demand situations like understaffed nursing facilities. Hourly rates in Chesapeake can also fluctuate based on the type of employer, with skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies frequently offering different rates than hospitals or correctional facilities. While some LPNs opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others may prefer the higher hourly rates associated with per diem or agency work. Negotiation can be crucial for hourly workers—fostering relationships with staffing coordinators and being aware of local market rates in Chesapeake can significantly enhance earning potential in this essential healthcare career.
More salary data for Chesapeake, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Chesapeake in 2026?
How much do part-time licensed practical nurses make in Chesapeake?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for licensed practical nurses in Chesapeake. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Chesapeake 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