Registered Nurse Salary in Waynesboro, VA: $90,965 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time registered nurse in Waynesboro, VA earns a median $90,965/year (≈ $43.74/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1141). Once you factor in Waynesboro's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $88,144 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, registered nurses in Waynesboro, Virginia, can expect a median annual salary of $90,965, reflecting a growing demand for healthcare professionals in the area. The salary range is quite diverse, extending from $66,426 at the 10th percentile to $124,391 at the 90th percentile, indicating variations based on experience, specialty certifications, and workplace environments. These projections, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local economic conditions, highlight the premium that specialties such as CCRN and CEN can add to base compensation in Waynesboro, where the job market continues to expand. Despite a competitive pay landscape, local registered nurse salaries remain approximately 11.45% below the national median of $102,730, illustrating unique regional market dynamics that affect earning potential.
About the Waynesboro Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,426 | $31.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $75,203 | $36.15 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $90,965 | $43.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $99,284 | $47.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $124,391 | $59.81 |
Median Salary Position
11.45% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waynesboro
In Waynesboro, VA, the registered nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $57,965 (2026 est.). At $90,965, the local median is 11.45% below the national median of $102,730.
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At 40 hours/week in Waynesboro: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waynesboro Registered Nurse Pay Compares
Waynesboro median: $90,965/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waynesboro Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $95,752 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $102,730 | -11.45% less |
Registered Nurses in Waynesboro, VA earn a median of $90,965 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.45% lower than the national median of $102,730 and 5.00% below the Virginia state average of $95,752.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waynesboro has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Waynesboro, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $90,965 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $88,144 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$64,905
2025 BLS Actual
$86,378
2026 Current Est.
$90,965
2019–2027 Growth
+47.6%
Salary Trajectory for Registered Nurses in Waynesboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.31% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,905 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,703 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,713 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,918 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,213 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,396 | Actual |
| 2025 | $86,378 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $90,965 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95,795 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waynesboro metropolitan area, the median registered nurse salary grew 33.1% from $64,905 (2019) to $86,378 (2025). At a 5.31% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $95,795 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,890 (47.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waynesboro 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) | $66,426 – $75,203 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $75,203 – $90,965 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $90,965 – $99,284 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $99,284 – $124,391 |
RN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual registered nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Registered Nurse Job Market in Waynesboro
The job market for registered nurses in Waynesboro is relatively small, with only four professionals currently employed in the region. The cost-of-living index of 103.2 suggests that while the area is above the national average, it can still impact overall take-home pay for nursing professionals. Employers in Waynesboro, particularly within hospital systems and specialty care centers, often offer competitive wages and additional incentives. Factors such as shift differentials, specialty certification stipends, and charge nurse premiums can significantly influence variations in registered nurse pay in Waynesboro, VA. To maximize earnings, nurses should consider pursuing advanced certifications and seeking roles in higher-paying specializations like ICU or emergency departments. Understanding local dynamics, including potential shifts in demand for travel nursing roles, might also provide strategic edges in salary negotiations.
More salary data for 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
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 $86,378 for registered nursesin the Waynesboro 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 Waynesboro 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