Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Suffolk, VA: $63,780 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Suffolk, VA earns a median $63,780/year (≈ $30.66/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Suffolk's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $61,802 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the licensed practical nurse salary in Suffolk, Virginia, is projected to reach a median annual figure of $63,780. This places local compensation slightly below the national average of $68,071, with a salary range extending from $51,347 at the tenth percentile to $85,633 at the ninetieth percentile. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional economic factors, highlighting the nuances of the local healthcare market. Factors such as shift differentials and weekend premiums can enhance earnings potential, especially in long-term care settings. Given the local employment landscape, along with the comparative wage environment, those seeking to establish a financial footing in Suffolk's nursing sector will find opportunities for growth, particularly by focusing on preferred employers and specializations.
About the Suffolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,347 | $24.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59,520 | $28.61 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,780 | $30.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,747 | $35.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85,633 | $41.17 |
Median Salary Position
6.3% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Suffolk
In Suffolk, VA, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,286 (2026 est.). At $63,780, the local median is 6.3% below the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Suffolk: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Suffolk Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Suffolk median: $63,780/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Suffolk Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $64,883 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | -6.30% less |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Suffolk, VA earn a median of $63,780 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.30% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 1.70% below the Virginia state average of $64,883.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Suffolk has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Suffolk, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $63,780 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $61,802 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,487
2025 BLS Actual
$60,341
2026 Current Est.
$63,780
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Suffolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,487 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,743 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,040 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,177 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,965 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,808 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,341 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,780 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,416 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Suffolk metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $44,487 (2019) to $60,341 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,416 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,929 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Suffolk 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $51,347 – $59,520 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $59,520 – $63,780 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,780 – $73,747 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,747 – $85,633 |
LPN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual licensed practical nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Market in Suffolk
Currently, Suffolk employs approximately 15 licensed practical nurses, a number that may reflect a competitive job market influenced by local demand. With a cost-of-living index of 103.2, living expenses are slightly above the national average, affecting overall take-home pay. Skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and hospitals are among the employers likely to offer the highest compensation, with significant differentials based on workplace settings and certifications. The pay spread seen in Suffolk often arises from specialized skills like IV therapy and the availability of shift and holiday differentials. To maximize earnings in this market, aspiring LPNs should consider pursuing certifications and seeking roles in skilled environments such as assisted living communities, where additional incentives can add substantially to overall pay.
More salary data for Suffolk, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Suffolk?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $60,341 for licensed practical nursesin the Suffolk metropolitan area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Suffolk 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