Charlottesville vs Richmond: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Charlottesville, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlottesville, VA | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $147,882▲ | $132,230 |
| Hourly Rate | $71.10▲ | $63.57 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $115,409▲ | $100,057 |
| 25th Percentile | $127,781▲ | $111,550 |
| 75th Percentile | $167,599▲ | $140,082 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $192,334▲ | $152,703 |
| Total Employed | 480 | 1,440▲ |
Verdict
Charlottesville, VA offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Richmond.
The salary gap between Charlottesville and Richmond is $15,652 (11.84%). 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,Richmond spans $52,646. 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 10.38% more than Richmond ($135,124 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)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $149,156)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,440 employed)
- ✓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 14.0% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Charlottesville, VA
$102,920 (2019) → $142,950 (2025)
Richmond, VA
$112,100 (2019) → $127,820 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlottesville, VA
Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Charlottesville or Richmond?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charlottesville and Richmond?
Should I relocate from Charlottesville to Richmond as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Charlottesville vs Richmond?
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