What the numbers say
With about 16,000 registered nurses working in the Virginia Beach metro, this is one of the larger nursing markets in the state. The 2024 median annual wage was $81,170, which runs roughly 9% below the Virginia median of $88,820 and about 14% below the national figure of $94,511. That gap is notable for a metro of this size, where demand for clinical staff tends to stay steady because of the region's large military and veteran population.
The mean wage of $87,630 sits $6,460 above the median. That spread suggests a subset of higher-paid nurses in specialized or senior roles is pulling the average up. The same pattern shows up in the p10-to-p90 range: nurses at the bottom decile earned $63,550 in 2024, while those at the top decile earned $115,710. Top earners made roughly 1.8 times what entry-level peers made, which is a moderate spread for a major regional market.
The gap between Virginia Beach and the broader state wage is worth sitting with. Northern Virginia anchors a significant portion of the state's higher-paying positions, and that pulls the statewide median up. A Virginia Beach nurse working in a hospital or long-term care facility is competing in a somewhat different labor market than a counterpart in the DC suburbs. The local figure reflects that reality, not a shortage of demand.
Salary distribution
Where Virginia Beach registered nurses fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $77,230 and $97,330, with a median of $89,450.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.6 / 5
Psychology
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge
- 4.2 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Deductive Reasoning
Ability
- 4.1 / 5
Social Perceptiveness
Technical
- 4.1 / 5
Problem Sensitivity
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Speaking
Basic skill
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Record patients' medical information and vital signs.
- 02
Administer medications to patients and monitor patients for reactions or side effects.
- 03
Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records.
- 04
Monitor, record, and report symptoms or changes in patients' conditions.
- 05
Provide health care, first aid, immunizations, or assistance in convalescence or rehabilitation in locations such as schools, hospitals, or industry.
- 06
Consult and coordinate with healthcare team members to assess, plan, implement, or evaluate patient care plans.
- 07
Direct or supervise less-skilled nursing or healthcare personnel or supervise a particular unit.
- 08
Monitor all aspects of patient care, including diet and physical activity.
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How the Virginia Beach metro compares to other major Virginia metro areas for registered nurses.
- Richmond$93,580
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Registered Nurses in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Registered Nurses in the Virginia Beach metropolitan area is $89,450.
- Does Virginia Beach pay more than the Virginia state average for Registered Nurses?
- The Virginia Beach metro median is -4.4% versus the Virginia state median of $93,600.
- How does Virginia Beach compare to the national median for Registered Nurses?
- The Virginia Beach metro median is -9.0% versus the BLS national figure of $98,331.
- What is the salary range for Registered Nurses in Virginia Beach?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $63,750 and the 90th-percentile at $114,610 for the Virginia Beach metro area.
- What education is required for Registered Nurses?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Virginia Beach CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.