Chesapeake vs Roanoke: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Chesapeake, VA and Roanoke, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chesapeake, VA | Roanoke, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $94,565▲ | $84,343 |
| Hourly Rate | $45.46▲ | $40.55 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,933 | $70,284▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $78,755 | $81,994▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $114,183▲ | $105,721 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $143,096▲ | $126,477 |
| Total Employed | 63 | 4,670▲ |
Verdict
Chesapeake, VA offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Roanoke.
The salary gap between Chesapeake and Roanoke is $10,222 (12.12%). Chesapeake's median is -7.95% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chesapeake spans $82,163,Roanoke spans $56,193. Chesapeake 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, Chesapeake ($91,633 effective) pays 1.71% more than Roanoke ($90,093 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chesapeake if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($94,565/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($143,096)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $91,633)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Larger job market (4,670 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Chesapeake grew 2.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 25.9% growth in Roanoke over the same period.
Chesapeake, VA
$87,501 (2024) → $89,797 (2025)
Roanoke, VA
$63,590 (2019) → $80,090 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chesapeake, VA
Roanoke, 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