Lynchburg vs Roanoke: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Lynchburg, VA and Roanoke, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lynchburg, VA | Roanoke, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,722▲ | $84,343 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.73▲ | $40.55 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,222▲ | $70,284 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,363 | $81,994▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $101,129 | $105,721▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $104,625 | $126,477▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,200 | 4,670▲ |
Verdict
Lynchburg and Roanoke are closely matched on overall registered nurse compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Lynchburg and Roanoke is $379 (0.45%). Lynchburg's median is -17.53% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lynchburg spans $31,403,Roanoke spans $56,193. Roanoke 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, Lynchburg ($94,807 effective) pays 5.23% more than Roanoke ($90,093 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lynchburg if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,722/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $94,807)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($126,477)
- ✓Larger job market (4,670 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Lynchburg grew 26.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.9% growth in Roanoke over the same period.
Lynchburg, VA
$63,670 (2019) → $80,450 (2025)
Roanoke, VA
$63,590 (2019) → $80,090 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lynchburg, VA
Roanoke, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Lynchburg or Roanoke?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lynchburg and Roanoke?
Should I relocate from Lynchburg to Roanoke as a registered nurse?
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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