Senior Registered Nurse Salary in Hampton, VA: $137,936 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of registered nurses working in Hampton, VA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $137,936/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1141. Strip back Hampton's price premium (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $133,659 in average-cost America. The 44% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hampton, Virginia, the potential for top earnings as an experienced registered nurse is significant, with the 2026 projected annual salary reaching as high as $137,936 for the 90th percentile. This figure represents a remarkable opportunity not only for seasoned RNs but illustrates a pronounced experience premium when contrasted with the median salary of $95,641. Achieving such a level of compensation typically demands a wealth of experience—often seven years or more—alongside specialization in high-demand areas. As nurses work to elevate their careers, it becomes essential to seek advanced certifications and pursue roles that reflect their expertise in order to unlock these lucrative salary ranges.
About the Hampton Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hampton
Experienced registered nurses at the top of the pay scale in Hampton earn between $114,062 and $137,936 per year (2026 est.). This $69,228 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hampton median of $95,641 sits 6.9% below the US median.
Top RN Salary Comparison
| Level | Hampton | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $95,641 | $102,730 |
| 75th Percentile | $114,062 | $118,316 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $137,936 | $144,770 |
In Hampton, experienced registered nurses (P90) earn 44.22% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Registered Nurse Pay in Hampton
Advanced Certifications in Virginia
VA registered nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $95,641 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hampton employers.
Specialty Focus
Registered Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Hampton command premium compensation, often reaching the $114,062–$137,936 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Hampton metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced registered nurses who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured registered nurses in Hampton with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Registered Nurses in Virginia who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Registered Nurse Career & Wage Growth Path in Hampton
Clinical Registered Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Registered Nurse
5-10 yearsRegistered Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHampton ranks #7 of 42 Virginia cities for top earner registered nurse salary (90th percentile: $137,936).
Top 10% registered nurse compensation in Hampton ($137,936) is 11.67% above the Virginia average P90 ($123,520).
2019 BLS Actual
$105,970
2025 BLS Actual
$130,981
2026 Current Est.
$137,936
2019–2027 Growth
+37.1%
Salary Trajectory for Registered Nurses in Hampton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.31% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $105,970 | Actual |
| 2020 | $110,744 | Actual |
| 2021 | $114,574 | Actual |
| 2022 | $123,292 | Actual |
| 2023 | $126,417 | Actual |
| 2024 | $125,058 | Actual |
| 2025 | $130,981 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $137,936 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $145,260 | Projected |
Top-earning registered nurses (90th percentile) in Hampton saw their compensation grow 23.6% from $105,970 in 2019 to $130,981 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.31% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $145,260 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hampton 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.
Maximizing Your Registered Nurse Earnings in Hampton
Senior registered nurse pay in VA can vary greatly depending on the specific healthcare setting and clinical focus. Specialties such as critical care, emergency nursing, and oncology command particular attention for premium pay, often awarded through hospitals and specialty clinics rich in resources. Furthermore, the employer type significantly influences compensation dynamics; healthcare systems and surgical centers generally offer more competitive salaries compared to home health agencies or school nursing positions. Career advancement opportunities abound as well, with pathways leading to roles like nurse manager or clinical nurse specialist, further enhancing earning potential. In addition to base pay, non-salary factors, such as shift differentials for nights and weekends, as well as incentives for specialty certifications, can further enrich the total compensation package for senior registered nurses in Hampton.
More salary data for Hampton, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced registered nurses make in Hampton in 2026?
What drives higher registered nurse pay in Hampton?
What certifications boost registered nurse salary in Hampton?
Can experienced registered nurses make six figures in Hampton?
How much does registered nurse salary increase over time in Hampton?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Virginia
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $130,981 for registered nurses in the Hampton metro area. A 5.31% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hampton 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