Herndon vs Richmond: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Herndon, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Herndon, VA | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $89,689 | $98,549▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $43.12 | $47.38▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,674 | $78,698▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $78,127 | $84,048▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $98,251 | $103,762▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $115,120 | $124,234▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 15,700▲ |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Herndon.
The salary gap between Herndon and Richmond is $8,860 (9.88%). Richmond's median is -4.07% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Herndon spans $44,446,Richmond spans $45,536. Richmond has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Richmond ($100,706 effective) pays 15.88% more than Herndon ($86,908 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Herndon if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($98,549/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($124,234)
- ✓Larger job market (15,700 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,706)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Herndon grew 7.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.9% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Herndon, VA
$79,270 (2024) → $85,167 (2025)
Richmond, VA
$72,020 (2019) → $93,580 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Herndon, VA
Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Herndon or Richmond?
What is the hourly rate difference between Herndon and Richmond?
Should I relocate from Herndon to Richmond as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Herndon vs Richmond?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% 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 Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov