Charlottesville vs Lake Ridge: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Charlottesville, VA and Lake Ridge, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlottesville, VA | Lake Ridge, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $147,882▲ | $124,617 |
| Hourly Rate | $71.10▲ | $59.91 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $115,409▲ | $97,774 |
| 25th Percentile | $127,781▲ | $111,428 |
| 75th Percentile | $167,599▲ | $146,282 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $192,334▲ | $159,352 |
| Total Employed | 480▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Charlottesville, VA offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lake Ridge.
The salary gap between Charlottesville and Lake Ridge is $23,265 (18.67%). Charlottesville's median is +8.05% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charlottesville spans $76,925,Lake Ridge spans $61,578. 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 ($149,156 effective) pays 23.52% more than Lake Ridge ($120,753 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 ($147,882/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($192,334)
- ✓Larger job market (480 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $149,156)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Lake Ridge if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Charlottesville grew 38.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -1.8% growth in Lake Ridge over the same period.
Charlottesville, VA
$102,920 (2019) → $142,950 (2025)
Lake Ridge, VA
$122,625 (2024) → $120,461 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlottesville, VA
Lake Ridge, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Charlottesville or Lake Ridge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charlottesville and Lake Ridge?
Should I relocate from Charlottesville to Lake Ridge as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Charlottesville vs Lake Ridge?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov