Are these Virginia figures exact?

They're the median wages actually reported for Virginia — meaning half of nurses in the role earn more and half earn less. A median is a real measured midpoint, not a prediction of your offer: your pay moves with experience, specialty, shift, overtime, and employer.

Why are some figures verified and others estimates?

National pay for the main nursing roles — registered nurses, LPNs/LVNs, nurse practitioners, CRNAs, nurse midwives, and nursing assistants — comes from verified public wage data. State, city, and specialty figures that aren't reported on their own start from that national pay and are labeled "Estimated" or "Specialty estimate." We never show an estimate as a verified figure.

Virginia · VA

Licensed Practical Nurse vs Nursing Assistant (CNA) salary in Virginia

In Virginia, licensed practical nurses earn more — an estimated $64,920 a year versus $43,200 for nursing assistant (cna)s, a gap of about $21,720 (roughly 50% more). Both are estimates based on national pay for each role adjusted for Virginia.

Licensed Practical Nurse — Virginia

Verified public wage data

Median annual pay

$64,920

Near national

Hourly

$31.21/hr

Median $64,920

$50,580Middle 50%: $59,610–$74,540$79,170

Typical range: $59,610–$74,540; What most nurses earn
High end: $79,170; Top earners
Entry level: $50,580; Newer nurses

Nursing Assistant (CNA) — Virginia

Verified public wage data

Median annual pay

$43,200

Near national

Hourly

$20.77/hr

Median $43,200

$31,560Middle 50%: $37,020–$46,930$50,980

Typical range: $37,020–$46,930; What most nurses earn
High end: $50,980; Top earners
Entry level: $31,560; Newer nurses

Why the gap in Virginia

Licensed practical nurses earn more than certified nursing assistants because LPNs hold a state nursing license earned by passing the NCLEX-PN and practice with a broader clinical scope, including medication administration and treatments. The CNA is a shorter certificate credential limited to basic care tasks under supervision. The Virginia figures apply the same local pay adjustment to both roles, so the gap here mirrors the national picture, shifted for Virginia's cost of labor. Actual pay varies with experience, specialty, shift, and employer — compare the national Licensed Practical Nurse vs Nursing Assistant (CNA) comparison or personalize the calculator.

Licensed Practical Nurse vs Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Virginia — FAQ

Do licensed practical nurses or nursing assistant (cna)s earn more in Virginia?: In Virginia, licensed practical nurses earn more — $64,920 a year versus $43,200 for nursing assistant (cna)s, a gap of about $21,720 (roughly 50% more). Both are median wages reported for Virginia in official public wage data.
How much is the licensed practical nurse vs nursing assistant (cna) pay gap in Virginia?: The reported gap in Virginia is about $21,720 a year, or roughly 50% more for licensed practical nurses. Your actual pay depends on experience, specialty, shift, and employer — use the calculator to compare both for your situation.
Are these Virginia figures exact?: They're the median wages actually reported for Virginia — meaning half of nurses in the role earn more and half earn less. A median is a real measured midpoint, not a prediction of your offer: your pay moves with experience, specialty, shift, overtime, and employer.
Why are some figures verified and others estimates?: National pay for the main nursing roles — registered nurses, LPNs/LVNs, nurse practitioners, CRNAs, nurse midwives, and nursing assistants — comes from verified public wage data. State, city, and specialty figures that aren't reported on their own start from that national pay and are labeled "Estimated" or "Specialty estimate." We never show an estimate as a verified figure.

Source & confidence— A verified figure from official U.S. public wage data.

BLS OEWS (May 2025, state)

Virginia figures are published directly by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for Virginia (May 2025). They are not estimated or adjusted.

Source year 2025. Last reviewed July 17, 2026. Full methodology

Estimated figures for Virginia. Last reviewed July 17, 2026.