Registered Nurse Salary in Hampton, VA: $95,641 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time registered nurse in Hampton, VA earns a median $95,641/year (≈ $45.98/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1141). Once you factor in Hampton's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $92,675 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, registered nurses in Hampton, Virginia, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $95,641, which reflects a growing demand for skilled professionals in the healthcare sector. This figure places local compensation about 6.90% lower than the national median of $102,730. The salary range for registered nurses is quite diverse, from an entry-level pay at approximately $68,708 to experienced practitioners earning up to $137,936. The data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS figures projected into 2026, highlights the significant impact of specialty certifications—such as Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) or Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN)—which can command higher base salaries and shift differentials in acute care settings. With Hampton experiencing a stable job market, the potential for enhanced earnings is tied closely to both individual credentials and healthcare providers' needs.
About the Hampton Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,708 | $33.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $79,124 | $38.04 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $95,641 | $45.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $114,062 | $54.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $137,936 | $66.31 |
Median Salary Position
6.9% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hampton
In Hampton, VA, the registered nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $69,228 (2026 est.). At $95,641, the local median is 6.9% below the national median of $102,730.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hampton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hampton Registered Nurse Pay Compares
Hampton median: $95,641/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hampton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $95,737 | -0.10% less |
| National Average | $102,730 | -6.90% less |
Registered Nurses in Hampton, VA earn a median of $95,641 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.90% lower than the national median of $102,730 and 0.10% below the Virginia state average of $95,737.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hampton has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hampton, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $95,641 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $92,675 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$68,242
2025 BLS Actual
$90,819
2026 Current Est.
$95,641
2019–2027 Growth
+47.6%
Salary Trajectory for Registered Nurses in Hampton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.31% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,242 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,132 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,246 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,616 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,131 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,530 | Actual |
| 2025 | $90,819 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $95,641 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $100,720 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hampton metropolitan area, the median registered nurse salary grew 33.1% from $68,242 (2019) to $90,819 (2025). At a 5.31% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $100,720 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,478 (47.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hampton metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.31% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $68,708 – $79,124 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $79,124 – $95,641 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $95,641 – $114,062 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $114,062 – $137,936 |
RN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual registered nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Registered Nurse Job Market in Hampton
Analyzing the registered nurse pay in Hampton, VA, reveals that the local job market accommodates only 24 registered nurses, indicating a limited but potentially competitive atmosphere. The cost-of-living index in Hampton stands at 103.2, which is above the national average, emphasizing the need for salaries that can sustain purchasing power. Key employers, such as hospital systems, particularly in intensive care and emergency departments, tend to offer higher salaries, reflecting their critical staffing needs. Factors contributing to wage variability include shift differentials, which can add $3 to $7 per hour for night and weekend shifts, and additional pay for roles with advanced specialty certifications. For those looking to maximize earnings, pursuing positions in acute care settings or obtaining certifications from recognized bodies like the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) could provide advantageous pathways in Hampton's nursing job market.
More salary data for Hampton, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $90,819 for registered nursesin the Hampton metropolitan area. A 5.31% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hampton is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.31%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for registered nurses (SOC 29-1141).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov