Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Hampton, VA: $85,945 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Hampton, VA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $85,945/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Hampton's price premium (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $83,280 in average-cost America. The 33% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With the projected 2026 median annual salary for experienced licensed practical nurses in Hampton, Virginia, set at $64,796, professionals with substantial experience—typically seven or more years—can expect to earn significantly more. Top earners in this field could potentially see salaries reaching up to $85,945, with the 75th percentile reflecting a strong $79,166. The difference between the median and top-tier pay highlights the considerable financial benefits associated with advancing one's career, particularly through specializations and advanced certifications. To break into this upper echelon of the salary range, LPNs often pursue additional qualifications and take on leadership roles, which are vital for commanding higher compensation in a competitive market.
About the Hampton Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hampton
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Hampton earn between $79,166 and $85,945 per year (2026 est.). This $35,226 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hampton median of $64,796 sits 4.81% below the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Hampton | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $64,796 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,166 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $85,945 | $88,196 |
In Hampton, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 32.64% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Hampton
Advanced Certifications in Virginia
VA licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $64,796 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hampton employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Hampton command premium compensation, often reaching the $79,166–$85,945 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Hampton metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced licensed practical nurses who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured licensed practical nurses in Hampton with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Licensed Practical Nurses in Virginia who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Licensed Practical Nurse Career & Wage Growth Path in Hampton
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHampton ranks #5 of 42 Virginia cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $85,945).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Hampton ($85,945) is 5.42% above the Virginia average P90 ($81,523).
2019 BLS Actual
$61,743
2025 BLS Actual
$81,310
2026 Current Est.
$85,945
2019–2027 Growth
+47.1%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Hampton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,743 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,847 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,162 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,795 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,882 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,960 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,310 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,945 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,844 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Hampton saw their compensation grow 31.7% from $61,743 in 2019 to $81,310 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.70% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $90,844 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hampton 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.
Maximizing Your Licensed Practical Nurse Earnings in Hampton
In Hampton, certain specializations can significantly impact senior licensed practical nurse pay in VA, as areas such as long-term care, IV therapy certification, and wound care command premium rates. Compensation also varies depending on the type of employer; skilled nursing facilities and hospice services may pay more compared to home health agencies or physician offices. Career advancement opportunities include roles such as charge LPN, MDS coordinator, and admissions coordinator, which not only come with increased responsibilities but often also higher salaries. Additionally, obtaining advanced credentials, including IV therapy and specialized certifications, can elevate earning potential. Beyond salary, additional compensation drivers such as shift differentials and weekend premiums make a substantial difference in overall income, emphasizing the importance of strategic career planning within the vibrant healthcare landscape of Hampton, VA.
More salary data for Hampton, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Hampton in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Hampton?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Hampton?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Hampton?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Hampton?
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $81,310 for licensed practical nurses in the Hampton metro area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hampton 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