Entry-Level Nurse Practitioner Salary in Hampton, VA: $100,870 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nurse practitioners entering the Hampton, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $100,870 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1171, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hampton's local price level (BEA RPP 103.2 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $97,742 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($129,902) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Nurse practitioners beginning their careers in Hampton, Virginia, can expect a starting salary around $100,870 in 2026. This figure indicates a considerable initial gap compared to the city's median annual salary of $129,902. As new graduates progress in their careers, they can anticipate salary growth, with early earnings likely increasing from the first quartile at $116,260 toward achieving the median within their first three to five years. Given Hampton's projected salary landscape, new grads will find a moderately supportive market for entry-level positions, but must also be proactive in securing roles that offer continued professional development and mentorship.
About the Hampton Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($124,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hampton
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 Hampton
Entry-level nurse practitioners in Hampton, VA typically start between $100,870 and $116,260 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $74,439 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $129,902 — 5.09% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average advanced practice nursing program cost in Virginia of $90,000 represents just 89.22% of the starting nurse practitioner pay ($100,870/year) in Hampton. 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 Hampton
- 1Research the Hampton market: entry-level nurse practitioner pay ranges from $100,870 to $116,260, 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 Hampton, 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 Hampton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hampton'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 Hampton is $74,439 ( 73.80%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $100,870, experienced hygienists can earn up to $175,309.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$78,330
2025 BLS Actual
$97,506
2026 Current Est.
$100,870
2019–2027 Growth
+33.2%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Practitioners in Hampton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.45% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $78,330 | Actual |
| 2020 | $79,821 | Actual |
| 2021 | $76,463 | Actual |
| 2022 | $84,036 | Actual |
| 2023 | $90,954 | Actual |
| 2024 | $98,275 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,506 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $100,870 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $104,350 | Projected |
Entry-level nurse practitioner compensation (10th percentile) in Hampton, VA grew 24.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $78,330 in 2019 to $97,506 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $104,350. New graduates entering the Hampton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hampton 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 Hampton
In Hampton, several employers actively recruit new grad nurse practitioners, particularly within primary care settings and urgent care chains that offer structured onboarding programs. Large hospital systems may also provide NP residency and fellowship opportunities, allowing new entrants to transition smoothly into clinical roles. Important credentials for nurse practitioners in Virginia include an active RN license, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from an accredited institution, and national certification through organizations like the ANCC or AANP. Furthermore, the scope of practice can dramatically influence earning potential; for instance, psychiatric-mental health NPs often command higher salaries due to the growing demand for mental health services. Over the first 1-3 years, new graduates can expect steady pay increases as they gain experience and possibly transition into roles that reflect the full practice authority afforded in Virginia.
More salary data for Hampton, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for nurse practitioners in Hampton in 2026?
How fast do nurse practitioner salaries grow in Hampton?
Is advanced practice nursing school worth it in Hampton?
What do new nurse practitioners make right out of school in Hampton?
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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
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 Hampton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hampton 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