Richmond vs Salem: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Richmond, VA and Salem, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Salem, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $132,230▲ | $126,090 |
| Hourly Rate | $63.57▲ | $60.62 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,057▲ | $94,621 |
| 25th Percentile | $111,550 | $117,367▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $140,082 | $144,924▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $152,703 | $156,324▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,440▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.
The salary gap between Richmond and Salem is $6,140 (4.87%). 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 Richmond spans $52,646,Salem spans $61,703. Salem has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Richmond ($135,124 effective) pays 10.59% 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 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
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($156,324)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Richmond grew 14.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -1.8% growth in Salem over the same period.
Richmond, VA
$112,100 (2019) → $127,820 (2025)
Salem, VA
$124,074 (2024) → $121,885 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Richmond or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Richmond and Salem?
Should I relocate from Richmond to Salem as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Richmond vs Salem?
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