Radford vs Virginia Beach: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Radford, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Radford, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $131,363▲ | $128,826 |
| Hourly Rate | $63.16▲ | $61.94 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $105,301▲ | $105,033 |
| 25th Percentile | $124,133▲ | $109,885 |
| 75th Percentile | $148,484▲ | $137,568 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $158,061▲ | $148,482 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 1,300▲ |
Verdict
Radford, VA offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Virginia Beach.
The salary gap between Radford and Virginia Beach is $2,537 (1.97%). Radford's median is -4.02% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Radford spans $52,760,Virginia Beach spans $43,449. Radford 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 3.33% more than Radford ($127,290 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Radford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($131,363/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($158,061)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓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 Radford grew 3.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.6% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Radford, VA
$122,393 (2024) → $126,982 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$99,930 (2019) → $124,530 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Radford, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Radford or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Radford and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Radford to Virginia Beach as a nurse practitioner?
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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