McLean vs Virginia Beach: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between McLean, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | McLean, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $93,733 | $94,200▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $45.06 | $45.28▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,108 | $67,135▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $76,119 | $81,331▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $105,751▲ | $102,498 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $126,172▲ | $120,696 |
| Total Employed | 11 | 16,870▲ |
Verdict
Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to McLean.
The salary gap between McLean and Virginia Beach is $467 (0.50%). Virginia Beach's median is -8.30% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in McLean spans $60,064,Virginia Beach spans $53,561. McLean has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Virginia Beach ($96,180 effective) pays 5.89% more than McLean ($90,827 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose McLean if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($126,172)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($94,200/year)
- ✓Larger job market (16,870 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $96,180)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in McLean grew 7.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.0% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
McLean, VA
$82,844 (2024) → $89,007 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$68,280 (2019) → $89,450 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
McLean, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: McLean or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between McLean and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from McLean to Virginia Beach 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