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

CityMedian SalaryHourly RateEntry Level (P10)Senior (P90)Employment
Richmond, VA$55,945$26.90/hr$37,534$83,772666

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).

Virginia vs National Average

Licensed Practical Nurse Salary Comparison

Virginia Average$55,945
National Average$59,730
Difference-$3,785 (-6.3%)

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

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.