Registered Nurse Salary in Newport News, VA: $96,492 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time registered nurse in Newport News, VA earns a median $96,492/year (≈ $46.39/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1141). Once you factor in Newport News's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $93,500 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% above the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Newport News, VA, registered nurses can expect a median annual salary of $96,492 in 2026, reflecting a competitive local compensation landscape. The salary range for RNs in the area spans from $70,264 at the 10th percentile to $140,896 at the 90th percentile, highlighting significant variability driven by factors such as experience, certification, and shift differentials. Estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments position the registered nurse salary in Newport News slightly below the national median of $102,730, indicating a unique market influenced by local demand and supply dynamics. Those willing to work nights and weekends, often rewarded with additional compensation, may find financial opportunities that further enhance their earning potential in this region.
About the Newport News Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,264 | $33.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $80,836 | $38.86 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $96,492 | $46.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $113,973 | $54.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $140,896 | $67.74 |
Median Salary Position
6.07% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Newport News
In Newport News, VA, the registered nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $70,632 (2026 est.). At $96,492, the local median is 6.07% below the national median of $102,730.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Newport News: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Newport News Registered Nurse Pay Compares
Newport News median: $96,492/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Newport News Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $95,727 | +0.80% more |
| National Average | $102,730 | -6.07% less |
Registered Nurses in Newport News, VA earn a median of $96,492 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.07% lower than the national median of $102,730 and 0.80% above the Virginia state average of $95,727.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Newport News has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Newport News, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $96,492 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $93,500 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$68,849
2025 BLS Actual
$91,627
2026 Current Est.
$96,492
2019–2027 Growth
+47.6%
Salary Trajectory for Registered Nurses in Newport News (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.31% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,849 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,756 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,888 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,289 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,844 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,282 | Actual |
| 2025 | $91,627 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $96,492 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $101,616 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Newport News metropolitan area, the median registered nurse salary grew 33.1% from $68,849 (2019) to $91,627 (2025). At a 5.31% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $101,616 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,767 (47.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Newport News 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) | $70,264 – $80,836 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $80,836 – $96,492 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $96,492 – $113,973 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $113,973 – $140,896 |
RN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual registered nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Registered Nurse Job Market in Newport News
Currently, there are around 39 registered nurses employed in Newport News, ensuring a robust market for nursing professionals. With a cost-of-living index of 103.2, the purchasing power for RNs is just above the national average, but it still necessitates strategic financial planning. Hospital systems, particularly those recognized for magnet status, tend to offer the highest pay among local employers, especially for positions requiring acute care and ICU skills. The wage variation is largely due to additional pay drivers such as shift differentials, which can add $3 to $7 per hour for nights and $3 to $5 for weekends, as well as specialty certifications and charge nurse roles. For those considering enhancing their registered nurse pay in Newport News VA, pursuing advanced certifications and opting for high-demand specialties can lead to significant benefits. Travel nursing remains a viable option, offering attractive compensation packages for flexibility and expertise in high-cost-of-living areas.
More salary data for Newport News, 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 $91,627 for registered nursesin the Newport News 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 Newport News 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