Herndon vs Virginia Beach: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Herndon, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Herndon, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $121,819 | $128,826▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $58.56 | $61.94▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $103,671 | $105,033▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $114,703▲ | $109,885 |
| 75th Percentile | $137,310 | $137,568▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $145,955 | $148,482▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 1,300▲ |
Verdict
Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Herndon.
The salary gap between Herndon and Virginia Beach is $7,007 (5.75%). Virginia Beach's median is -5.87% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Herndon spans $42,284,Virginia Beach spans $43,449. Virginia Beach has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Virginia Beach ($131,534 effective) pays 11.43% more than Herndon ($118,042 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Herndon if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($128,826/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($148,482)
- ✓Larger job market (1,300 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $131,534)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Herndon grew -1.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.6% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Herndon, VA
$119,871 (2024) → $117,756 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$99,930 (2019) → $124,530 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Herndon, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Herndon or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Herndon and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Herndon to Virginia Beach as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Herndon vs Virginia Beach?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov