Charlottesville vs Virginia Beach: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Charlottesville, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlottesville, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,594▲ | $94,200 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.29▲ | $45.28 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,432▲ | $67,135 |
| 25th Percentile | $90,367▲ | $81,331 |
| 75th Percentile | $116,041▲ | $102,498 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $150,130▲ | $120,696 |
| Total Employed | 3,040 | 16,870▲ |
Verdict
Charlottesville, VA offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Virginia Beach.
The salary gap between Charlottesville and Virginia Beach is $10,394 (11.03%). Charlottesville's median is +1.81% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charlottesville spans $78,698,Virginia Beach spans $53,561. Charlottesville has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Charlottesville ($105,495 effective) pays 9.68% more than Virginia Beach ($96,180 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charlottesville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,594/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($150,130)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,495)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Larger job market (16,870 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Charlottesville grew 39.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 31.0% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Charlottesville, VA
$71,200 (2019) → $99,320 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$68,280 (2019) → $89,450 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlottesville, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov