McLean vs Virginia Beach: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between McLean, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | McLean, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $127,311 | $128,826▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $61.21 | $61.94▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $97,569 | $105,033▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $112,224▲ | $109,885 |
| 75th Percentile | $147,735▲ | $137,568 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $160,150▲ | $148,482 |
| Total Employed | 11 | 1,300▲ |
Verdict
Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to McLean.
The salary gap between McLean and Virginia Beach is $1,515 (1.19%). Virginia Beach's median is -5.87% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in McLean spans $62,581,Virginia Beach spans $43,449. McLean 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, Virginia Beach ($131,534 effective) pays 6.62% more than McLean ($123,363 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose McLean if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($160,150)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($128,826/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,300 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $131,534)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in McLean grew -1.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.6% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
McLean, VA
$125,276 (2024) → $123,065 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$99,930 (2019) → $124,530 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
McLean, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: McLean or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between McLean and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from McLean to Virginia Beach as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in McLean vs Virginia Beach?
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