Richmond vs Waynesboro: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Richmond, VA and Waynesboro, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Waynesboro, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,549▲ | $90,965 |
| Hourly Rate | $47.38▲ | $43.74 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,698▲ | $66,426 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,048▲ | $75,203 |
| 75th Percentile | $103,762▲ | $99,284 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $124,234 | $124,391▲ |
| Total Employed | 15,700▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Waynesboro.
The salary gap between Richmond and Waynesboro is $7,584 (8.34%). 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 Richmond spans $45,536,Waynesboro spans $57,965. Waynesboro 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 14.25% more than Waynesboro ($88,144 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($98,549/year)
- ✓Larger job market (15,700 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,706)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Waynesboro if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($124,391)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Richmond grew 29.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.4% growth in Waynesboro over the same period.
Richmond, VA
$72,020 (2019) → $93,580 (2025)
Waynesboro, VA
$80,396 (2024) → $86,378 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Richmond, VA
Waynesboro, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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