Roanoke vs Waynesboro: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Roanoke, VA and Waynesboro, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Roanoke, VA | Waynesboro, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,343 | $90,965▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.55 | $43.74▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,284▲ | $66,426 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,994▲ | $75,203 |
| 75th Percentile | $105,721▲ | $99,284 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $126,477▲ | $124,391 |
| Total Employed | 4,670▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Roanoke and Waynesboro are closely matched on overall registered nurse compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Roanoke and Waynesboro is $6,622 (7.85%). Waynesboro's median is -11.45% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Roanoke spans $56,193,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, Roanoke ($90,093 effective) pays 2.21% 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 Roanoke if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($126,477)
- ✓Larger job market (4,670 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $90,093)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Waynesboro if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($90,965/year)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Roanoke grew 25.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.4% growth in Waynesboro over the same period.
Roanoke, VA
$63,590 (2019) → $80,090 (2025)
Waynesboro, VA
$80,396 (2024) → $86,378 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Roanoke, 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