Average Registered Nurse Salary in Virginia
Registered Nurses in Virginia earn an average of $90,480 per year across 1 metro area. This is +3.3% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$90,480
per year
Hourly Rate
$43.50
per hour
vs National
-3.3%
$93,600 national
Salary Range
$58,821
to $127,193
About Registered Nurse Careers in Virginia
Registered nurses (RNs) are essential healthcare professionals who provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients about health conditions, and offer emotional support to patients and their families. They work in various healthcare settings and serve as the backbone of the healthcare system, providing critical care and advocacy for patients.
In Virginia, registered nurses earn an average of $90,480 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $58,821 for entry-level roles to $127,193 for the most experienced professionals — +3.3% below the national average. Pay is influenced most by nursing specialty (icu, emergency, oncology tend to pay more), education level (bsn vs. adn), and the specific metro area within Virginia.
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$90,480
Cost of Living Index
103
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$87,845
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Virginia's cost of living (above average), a Registered Nurse's salary of $90,480 has the purchasing power of $87,845 in an average-cost area.
Registered Nurse Salary by City in Virginia
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond, VA | $90,480 | $43.50/hr | $58,821 | $127,193 | 3,153 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Virginia vs National Average
Registered Nurse Salary Comparison
Employment in Virginia
There are approximately 3,153 Registered Nurses employed across 1 metro area in Virginia.
Key Industries: Federal Government, Defense & Military, Technology
State Income Tax: 2% - 5.75%
Registered Nurse Salary Range in Virginia
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$58,821
Starting salary for new Registered Nurses
Median (50th Percentile)
$90,480
Mid-career Registered Nurse salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$127,193
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Virginia
Pharmacist
$126,154
avg in VA
+$35,674 vs Registered Nurse
Nurse Practitioner
$121,200
avg in VA
+$30,720 vs Registered Nurse
Dental Hygienist
$84,688
avg in VA
-$5,792 vs Registered Nurse
Licensed Practical Nurse
$55,945
avg in VA
-$34,535 vs Registered Nurse
Nursing Assistant
$37,333
avg in VA
-$53,147 vs Registered Nurse
Registered Nurse Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Registered Nurse salaries in Virginia with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Virginia Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Registered Nurse salary in Virginia?
The average Registered Nurse salary in Virginia is $90,480 per year ($43.50/hour) based on 2026 data across 1 metro areas. This is 3.3% below the national average of $93,600.
What is the highest paying city for Registered Nurses in Virginia?
Richmond, VA is the highest paying city for Registered Nurses in Virginia, with a median salary of $90,480 per year.
What is the salary range for Registered Nurses in Virginia?
Registered Nurse salaries in Virginia range from $58,821 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $127,193 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $90,480 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.