Entry-Level Nurse Practitioner Salary in Williamsburg, VA: $97,141 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nurse practitioners entering the Williamsburg, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $97,141 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1171, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Williamsburg's local price level (BEA RPP 103.2 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $94,129 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($123,149) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

New graduates entering the nurse practitioner field in Williamsburg, Virginia, can expect starting salaries around $97,141 in 2026, which is significantly lower than the median annual salary of $123,149 for more experienced professionals in the area. For early-career nurse practitioners, the path from entry-level compensation to the median can be promising, with potential salary increases to $109,993 at the 25th percentile within just a few years. With a projected annual growth rate of 3.45%, the early years in this profession hold a favorable outlook, especially considering the local demand for healthcare practitioners. Williamsburg is an encouraging market for new grads, as the community's growing healthcare needs offer ample opportunities for new nurse practitioners to establish their careers.
About the Williamsburg Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($124,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Williamsburg
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 Williamsburg
Entry-level nurse practitioners in Williamsburg, VA typically start between $97,141 and $109,993 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $59,983 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $123,149 — 10.02% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average advanced practice nursing program cost in Virginia of $90,000 represents just 92.65% of the starting nurse practitioner pay ($97,141/year) in Williamsburg. 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 Williamsburg
- 1Research the Williamsburg market: entry-level nurse practitioner pay ranges from $97,141 to $109,993, 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 Williamsburg, 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 Williamsburg for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Williamsburg'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 Williamsburg is $59,983 ( 61.75%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $97,141, experienced hygienists can earn up to $157,124.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$75,434
2025 BLS Actual
$93,901
2026 Current Est.
$97,141
2019–2027 Growth
+33.2%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Practitioners in Williamsburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.45% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $75,434 | Actual |
| 2020 | $76,870 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,636 | Actual |
| 2022 | $80,929 | Actual |
| 2023 | $87,591 | Actual |
| 2024 | $94,576 | Actual |
| 2025 | $93,901 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $97,141 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $100,492 | Projected |
Entry-level nurse practitioner compensation (10th percentile) in Williamsburg, VA grew 24.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $75,434 in 2019 to $93,901 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $100,492. New graduates entering the Williamsburg job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg
In Williamsburg, primary care clinics and urgent care chains are among the key employers that hire entry-level nurse practitioners, often providing structured onboarding programs for new graduates. Large hospital systems also tend to offer residency or fellowship programs, allowing for a smoother transition into the workforce. For those specializing as psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), opportunities abound in telehealth platforms, which have surged in demand. Graduates should ensure they have the appropriate credentials, including an active RN license, a Master’s or Doctorate in nursing, and national certification from AANP or ANCC, as these factors can significantly enhance their starting pay in Virginia. Given the varying scope of practice laws across the nation, new nurse practitioners in Virginia, which allows for more independent practice, can anticipate accelerated career growth. Within the first few years, many can aim for salary increases that align with the local market dynamics once they have accumulated experience and specialized certifications.
More salary data for Williamsburg, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for nurse practitioners in Williamsburg in 2026?
How fast do nurse practitioner salaries grow in Williamsburg?
Is advanced practice nursing school worth it in Williamsburg?
What do new nurse practitioners make right out of school in Williamsburg?
How do I become a nurse practitioner in Virginia?
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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 Williamsburg. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Williamsburg 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