Average Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Virginia
Licensed Practical Nurses in Virginia earn an average of $55,945 per year across 1 metro area. This is +6.3% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$55,945
per year
Hourly Rate
$26.90
per hour
vs National
-6.3%
$59,730 national
Salary Range
$37,534
to $83,772
About Licensed Practical Nurse Careers in Virginia
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs), also called licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) in California and Texas, provide basic nursing care under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians. They are a critical component of healthcare delivery across hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and home health settings. The BLS median salary is $54,620, with strong regional variation — metro areas in California, Alaska, and Massachusetts pay significantly above the national median. With over 900,000 LPN positions in the US and projected growth of 6% through 2032, the role offers a reliable career pathway requiring only one year of post-secondary education.
In Virginia, licensed practical nurses earn an average of $55,945 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $37,534 for entry-level roles to $83,772 for the most experienced professionals — +6.3% below the national average. Pay is influenced most by state and geographic location — california and alaska lpns earn median wages 40–50% above the national median, work setting — home health and hospice lpns often earn more than facility-based roles, and the specific metro area within Virginia.
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$55,945
Cost of Living Index
103
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$54,316
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Virginia's cost of living (above average), a Licensed Practical Nurse's salary of $55,945 has the purchasing power of $54,316 in an average-cost area.
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by City in Virginia
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond, VA | $55,945 | $26.90/hr | $37,534 | $83,772 | 666 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Virginia vs National Average
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary Comparison
Employment in Virginia
There are approximately 666 Licensed Practical Nurses employed across 1 metro area in Virginia.
Key Industries: Federal Government, Defense & Military, Technology
State Income Tax: 2% - 5.75%
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary Range in Virginia
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$37,534
Starting salary for new Licensed Practical Nurses
Median (50th Percentile)
$55,945
Mid-career Licensed Practical Nurse salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$83,772
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Virginia
Pharmacist
$126,154
avg in VA
+$70,209 vs Licensed Practical Nurse
Nurse Practitioner
$121,200
avg in VA
+$65,255 vs Licensed Practical Nurse
Registered Nurse
$90,480
avg in VA
+$34,535 vs Licensed Practical Nurse
Dental Hygienist
$84,688
avg in VA
+$28,743 vs Licensed Practical Nurse
Nursing Assistant
$37,333
avg in VA
-$18,612 vs Licensed Practical Nurse
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Licensed Practical Nurse salaries in Virginia with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Licensed Practical Nurse Data
More Virginia Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Licensed Practical Nurse salary in Virginia?
The average Licensed Practical Nurse salary in Virginia is $55,945 per year ($26.90/hour) based on 2026 data across 1 metro areas. This is 6.3% below the national average of $59,730.
What is the highest paying city for Licensed Practical Nurses in Virginia?
Richmond, VA is the highest paying city for Licensed Practical Nurses in Virginia, with a median salary of $55,945 per year.
What is the salary range for Licensed Practical Nurses in Virginia?
Licensed Practical Nurse salaries in Virginia range from $37,534 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $83,772 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $55,945 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within Virginia. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.