Registered Nurse Salary in Salem, VA: $92,835 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time registered nurse in Salem, VA earns a median $92,835/year (≈ $44.63/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1141). Once you factor in Salem's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $89,956 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, registered nurse salaries in Salem, Virginia, are projected to have a median annual pay of $92,835, reflecting local market conditions influenced by shift differentials. The pay range for registered nurses in this area spans from $63,993 at the 10th percentile to $123,277 at the 90th, which underscores the potential for variation based on experience and scheduling. The estimates derived from BLS state-level data and BEA regional price parities highlight the unique compensation structure in Salem, where night and weekend shifts may yield higher pay due to established differential practices. This focus on flexible scheduling is crucial in attracting talent to the local market, as RNs can effectively boost their earnings by working in high-demand time slots and specialized areas.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,993 | $30.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $79,968 | $38.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $92,835 | $44.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $103,710 | $49.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $123,277 | $59.27 |
Median Salary Position
9.63% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salem
In Salem, VA, the registered nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $59,284 (2026 est.). At $92,835, the local median is 9.63% below the national median of $102,730.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Salem: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Salem Registered Nurse Pay Compares
Salem median: $92,835/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Salem Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $95,706 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $102,730 | -9.63% less |
Registered Nurses in Salem, VA earn a median of $92,835 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.63% lower than the national median of $102,730 and 3.00% below the Virginia state average of $95,706.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Salem has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Salem, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $92,835 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $89,956 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$66,240
2025 BLS Actual
$88,154
2026 Current Est.
$92,835
2019–2027 Growth
+47.6%
Salary Trajectory for Registered Nurses in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.31% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,240 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,074 | Actual |
| 2021 | $70,126 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,397 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,780 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,049 | Actual |
| 2025 | $88,154 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $92,835 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $97,765 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Salem metropolitan area, the median registered nurse salary grew 33.1% from $66,240 (2019) to $88,154 (2025). At a 5.31% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $97,765 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,525 (47.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salem 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) | $63,993 – $79,968 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $79,968 – $92,835 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $92,835 – $103,710 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $103,710 – $123,277 |
RN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual registered nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Registered Nurse Job Market in Salem
With only six registered nurses currently employed in Salem, the local job market is relatively tight, which can impact salary negotiations. The cost of living index for Salem stands at 103.2, suggesting that while salaries appear competitive, take-home purchasing power could be affected by living expenses slightly above the national average. Employers such as hospital systems frequently offer the most attractive compensation packages, particularly in critical care areas like the Emergency Department and ICU, owing to demand for specialty certification. Factors driving the disparity between lower and higher salaries include shift differentials, which can add $3 to $7 per hour for night shifts and $3 to $5 for weekends, as well as specialty nursing roles that command higher rates. To maximize registered nurse pay in Salem, focusing on obtaining certifications and exploring travel nursing opportunities could provide greater financial rewards, especially in a market that values flexible staffing solutions and specialized expertise.
More salary data for Salem, 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 $88,154 for registered nursesin the Salem 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 Salem 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