Chesapeake vs Richmond: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Chesapeake, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chesapeake, VA | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $129,326 | $132,230▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $62.17 | $63.57▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,632 | $100,057▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $116,333▲ | $111,550 |
| 75th Percentile | $160,490▲ | $140,082 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $183,359▲ | $152,703 |
| Total Employed | 63 | 1,440▲ |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Chesapeake.
The salary gap between Chesapeake and Richmond is $2,904 (2.25%). Richmond's median is -3.39% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chesapeake spans $92,727,Richmond spans $52,646. Chesapeake 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, Richmond ($135,124 effective) pays 7.83% more than Chesapeake ($125,316 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chesapeake if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($183,359)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($132,230/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,440 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $135,124)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Chesapeake grew -5.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.0% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Chesapeake, VA
$132,318 (2024) → $125,013 (2025)
Richmond, VA
$112,100 (2019) → $127,820 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chesapeake, VA
Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Chesapeake or Richmond?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chesapeake and Richmond?
Should I relocate from Chesapeake to Richmond as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Chesapeake 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