Charlottesville vs Salem: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Charlottesville, VA and Salem, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlottesville, VA | Salem, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $147,882▲ | $126,090 |
| Hourly Rate | $71.10▲ | $60.62 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $115,409▲ | $94,621 |
| 25th Percentile | $127,781▲ | $117,367 |
| 75th Percentile | $167,599▲ | $144,924 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $192,334▲ | $156,324 |
| Total Employed | 480▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Charlottesville, VA offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.
The salary gap between Charlottesville and Salem is $21,792 (17.28%). 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,Salem spans $61,703. 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 22.08% more than Salem ($122,180 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 Salem 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 Salem over the same period.
Charlottesville, VA
$102,920 (2019) → $142,950 (2025)
Salem, VA
$124,074 (2024) → $121,885 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlottesville, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Charlottesville or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charlottesville and Salem?
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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