Entry-Level Nurse Practitioner Salary in Fredericksburg, VA: $95,992 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nurse practitioners entering the Fredericksburg, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $95,992 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1171, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Fredericksburg's local price level (BEA RPP 103.2 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $93,016 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($126,605) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The starting nurse practitioner salary in Fredericksburg, VA, is projected to be around $95,992 in 2026. This figure represents a significant entry point below the city’s median annual salary of $126,605, creating a gap that new graduates should realistically consider as they enter the workforce. Many early-career nurse practitioners can expect their salaries to grow as they gain experience and skills, with increases that can elevate their pay to approximately $118,451 within a few years. The average growth trajectory in this field reflects a promising landscape for newcomers to capitalize on, especially since Fredericksburg's healthcare market is currently favorable for fresh graduates seeking their first positions.
About the Fredericksburg Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($124,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Fredericksburg
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fredericksburg
Entry-level nurse practitioners in Fredericksburg, VA typically start between $95,992 and $118,451 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $70,089 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $126,605 — 7.5% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average advanced practice nursing program cost in Virginia of $90,000 represents just 93.76% of the starting nurse practitioner pay ($95,992/year) in Fredericksburg. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CCNE- and ACEN-accredited graduate nursing programs. Tuition varies significantly between public in-state MSN programs and private DNP programs, and often requires completed BSN coursework as a prerequisite.
NP Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Fredericksburg
- 1Research the Fredericksburg market: entry-level nurse practitioner pay ranges from $95,992 to $118,451, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the advanced practice nursing field — employers in VA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Fredericksburg, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Fredericksburg for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Fredericksburg's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Nurse Practitioner Compensation Range
The nurse practitioner wage spread in Fredericksburg is $70,089 ( 73.02%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $95,992, experienced hygienists can earn up to $166,081.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$74,542
2025 BLS Actual
$92,791
2026 Current Est.
$95,992
2019–2027 Growth
+33.2%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Practitioners in Fredericksburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.45% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $74,542 | Actual |
| 2020 | $75,962 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,766 | Actual |
| 2022 | $79,972 | Actual |
| 2023 | $86,555 | Actual |
| 2024 | $93,451 | Actual |
| 2025 | $92,791 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $95,992 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $99,304 | Projected |
Entry-level nurse practitioner compensation (10th percentile) in Fredericksburg, VA grew 24.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $74,542 in 2019 to $92,791 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $99,304. New graduates entering the Fredericksburg job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fredericksburg metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.45% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your advanced practice nursing Career in Fredericksburg
In Fredericksburg, new nurse practitioners often find employment in primary care offices and urgent care chains that are willing to hire recent graduates. These employers typically have structured onboarding programs to support the transition from academic to clinical practice. Additionally, larger hospital systems may offer NP residency or fellowship programs that can further enhance a new grad's skill set. To improve starting pay in this competitive market, credentials such as an active RN license and graduation from an accredited MSN or DNP program are essential. Furthermore, obtaining national certification from AANP or ANCC, along with prescriptive authority, will enhance job prospects. Notably, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) may find particularly lucrative opportunities due to the increasing demand for mental health services. With strategic career planning, including gaining experience and continuing education, new graduates can anticipate realistic salary growth as they establish themselves in the profession.
More salary data for Fredericksburg, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for nurse practitioners in Fredericksburg in 2026?
How fast do nurse practitioner salaries grow in Fredericksburg?
Is advanced practice nursing school worth it in Fredericksburg?
What do new nurse practitioners make right out of school in Fredericksburg?
How do I become a nurse practitioner in Virginia?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Virginia
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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new advanced practice nursing graduates. A 3.45% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Fredericksburg. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fredericksburg is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.45%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for nurse practitioners (SOC 29-1171).
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