Registered Nurse Salary in Alexandria, VA: $107,251 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time registered nurse in Alexandria, VA earns a median $107,251/year (≈ $51.56/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1141). Once you factor in Alexandria's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $103,925 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 12.0% above the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, registered nurses in Alexandria, Virginia, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $107,251, which exceeds the national median of $102,730 by approximately 4.40%. The salary range reflects the diversity within the profession, with entry-level positions starting around $77,371 and experienced nurses, particularly in high-demand roles or specialized settings, earning up to $154,959. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, adjusted for local cost of living factors, indicating that the dynamics of staff versus travel nurse pay continue to shape the compensation landscape. This competitive pay reflects Alexandria's growing job market, appealing to nursing professionals looking for upward mobility and lucrative opportunities.
About the Alexandria Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,371 | $37.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $89,054 | $42.82 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $107,251 | $51.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $125,953 | $60.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $154,959 | $74.50 |
Median Salary Position
4.40% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Alexandria
In Alexandria, VA, the registered nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $77,588 (2026 est.). At $107,251, the local median is 4.4% above the national median of $102,730.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Alexandria: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Alexandria Registered Nurse Pay Compares
Alexandria median: $107,251/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Alexandria Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $95,760 | +12.00% more |
| National Average | $102,730 | +4.40% more |
Registered Nurses in Alexandria, VA earn a median of $107,251 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.40% higher than the national median of $102,730 and 12.00% above the Virginia state average of $95,760.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Alexandria has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Alexandria, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $107,251 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $103,925 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$76,526
2025 BLS Actual
$101,843
2026 Current Est.
$107,251
2019–2027 Growth
+47.6%
Salary Trajectory for Registered Nurses in Alexandria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.31% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $76,526 | Actual |
| 2020 | $78,645 | Actual |
| 2021 | $81,015 | Actual |
| 2022 | $84,794 | Actual |
| 2023 | $89,858 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,749 | Actual |
| 2025 | $101,843 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $107,251 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $112,946 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Alexandria metropolitan area, the median registered nurse salary grew 33.1% from $76,526 (2019) to $101,843 (2025). At a 5.31% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $112,946 by 2027 — a total increase of $36,420 (47.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alexandria metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.31% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $77,371 – $89,054 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $89,054 – $107,251 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $107,251 – $125,953 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $125,953 – $154,959 |
RN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual registered nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Registered Nurse Job Market in Alexandria
As the registered nurse workforce in Alexandria comprises around 26 employees, the local job market is relatively compact but strong. The cost of living index stands at 103.2, slightly above the national average, which can affect take-home purchasing power. Employers in acute care hospital systems, especially those designated as magnet-status facilities, often provide some of the highest salaries. Factors driving wage variability include shift differentials, where nurses working nights may earn an additional $3 to $7 per hour, as well as weekend differentials and stipends for specialty certifications. For those seeking to enhance their earning potential, strategies include pursuing advanced certifications and considering positions in critical care areas like ICU or ED, as these often command higher compensation. Engaging in roles that involve charge nurse responsibilities or seeking out travel nursing opportunities can also provide substantial financial benefits in this competitive market.
More salary data for Alexandria, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $101,843 for registered nursesin the Alexandria metropolitan area. A 5.31% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Alexandria is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.31%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for registered nurses (SOC 29-1141).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov