Healthcare Chesapeake, VA Pop. 249,422

Registered Nurse Salary in Chesapeake, Virginia

The median registered nurse salary in Chesapeake, VA is $81,220 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 5.7% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$81,220
vs State Avg
$-4,873
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
98%

Registered Nurse Pay in Chesapeake: What to Expect (2026)

Chesapeake offers a median registered nurse salary of $81,220, which is $4,873 below the Virginia state average of $86,093. Compared to the national median of $81,220, Chesapeake pays above average for this role.

Chesapeake's cost of living is 98% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for registered nurses in Chesapeake spans from $57,400 at the 10th percentile to $120,800 at the 90th percentile — a $63,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $58,000, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $115,000. With a population of 249,422, Chesapeake is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Registered Nurse Salary in Chesapeake by Experience

In Chesapeake, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $58,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $115,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$58,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$82,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$115,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chesapeake, VA

Percentile Chesapeake
10th Percentile $57,400
25th Percentile $66,800
Median (50th) $81,220
75th Percentile $101,100
90th Percentile $120,800

Registered Nurse Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Arlington, VA
$108,835
Pop. 238,643
Virginia Beach, VA
$84,469
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$82,844
Pop. 226,610
Norfolk, VA
$79,596
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Chesapeake

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. Chesapeake and the surrounding Virginia area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Patient AssessmentMedication AdministrationCritical ThinkingCommunicationEMR SystemsBLS/ACLS

Job Outlook

Nationally, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Chesapeake may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Registered Nurse Jobs in Chesapeake

Browse open registered nurse positions in Chesapeake, VA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Chesapeake

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Chesapeake, VA? ▼
The median registered nurse salary in Chesapeake, Virginia is $81,220 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $57,400 (10th percentile) to $120,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Chesapeake? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $81,220, a registered nurse in Chesapeake earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chesapeake compare to the Virginia state average for registered nurse pay? ▼
Chesapeake's median registered nurse salary of $81,220 is 5.7% below the Virginia state average of $86,093. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chesapeake, VA? ▼
Chesapeake has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a registered nurse salary of $81,220 in Chesapeake has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in Chesapeake? ▼
Most registered nurse positions in Chesapeake require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Patient Assessment, Medication Administration, Critical Thinking, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.