According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, the state of Virginia is home to just shy of 70,000 registered nurses. Nurses in this state work in a variety of healthcare settings including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, multiple outpatient specialty offices, and many other environments. The nursing job market in Virginia continues to be bright, with the BLS projecting 8% growth in registered nursing jobs between 2020 to 2030 (6), compared to 6% job growth for nursing jobs nationally.
In this article, we’ll review the overall job outlook for nurses in the Virginia market. This includes average salaries for current registered nurse (RN) salaries and employment opportunities for nurses in the state. In addition, we’ll also discuss the job outlook for other related nursing roles in the area.
How Much Do Nurses Make in Virginia on Average?
Before you commit to nursing, it is important to research the profession, including its’ salary expectations. Registered nurse salaries can also vary from region to region, so it’s important to examine pay rates in the geographic area you are planning to work.
The average RN salary in Virginia is $81,860 annually or $39.36 per hour, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) wage data as of May 2022.
The estimated average wage for all occupations in Virginia is comparatively lower at $65,590 annually or $31.54 per hour. Nurses in the state therefore make about $15,000 more than the average worker in the state of Virginia.
Employment Opportunities for RNs
In addition, the job outlook and growth projection for nursing in Virginia is very positive over the next 10 years. BLS estimates that the profession will grow by 8% between 2020 and 2030. This outpaces the national growth of nursing which is estimated to be 6%. In Virginia, this 8% growth will translate to 4,190 annual job openings within the state through this decade. For individuals considering a nursing career in Virginia, this data shows it could be a great time to transition into the profession!
Job Outlook for Other Nursing Roles in Virginia
The field of nursing encompasses other essential nursing professionals including licensed practical nurses (LPNs). Nursing assistants, also referred to as certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in some states, also fall under the umbrella of nursing. While these nursing professionals work in many of the same places as RNs, their scope of practice is more limited compared to RNs. Most RN programs are about two to four years, while LPN and LVN programs are typically completed in one year, according to the BLS. Nursing assistants are required to complete a state-approved training program and pass a competency exam.
Because of the variation in education and skill level, compensation for these other nursing roles is substantially less than for an RN role. Nursing assistants earn $35,740 annually or about $17.18 per hour and LPNs earn about $54,620 annually or about $26.26 per hour.
While LPNs and nurse assistants earn less than RNs, the professional outlook for these three alternative nursing roles is also bright. Between 2020 and 2030, nursing assistants will see a projected job growth of 13% in the state of Virginia with LPNs seeing an 11% growth.
A 3-Year BSN Nursing Program with 2 Campuses in Virginia
If you’re considering a career as a registered nurse in the Virginia area, Arizona College of Nursing is here to help you pursue your dream. Our BSN program enables you to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in just 3 years or less with qualifying transfer credits. We’ve helped hundreds of students to earn a BSN degree and enter the nursing profession – and we’re ready to support you on your path to becoming an RN.
Why Choose Arizona College of Nursing?
- Earn a BSN degree in 3 years or less with eligible transfer credits
- Campus locations throughout the US
- Night classes for general education courses
- Hybrid Online/In-Person format for general education classes
- Nursing education is all we do
- CCNE-Accredited Program*
- NCLEX-RN success coaches and exam preparation class
- Financial aid available to those who qualify
Discover Your Path to a Career in Nursing
Citations
- BLS. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Registered Nurses.
- BLS. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses.
- BLS. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Nursing Assistants and Orderlies.
- BLS. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Registered Nurses. How to Become a Reigstered Nurse.
- Occupational Employment Wage Statistics. May 2022 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates Virginia.
- Occupational Employment Wage Statistics. May 2022 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates. Registered Nurses.
- O*Net Online. Virginia Employment Trends. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses.
- O*Net Online. Virginia Employment Trends. Nursing Assistants.
- O*Net Online. Virginia Employment Trends. Registered Nurses.
Information in this post is accurate as of .
*The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program at Arizona College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (https://www.aacnnursing.org/). All Arizona College of Nursing and Arizona College campuses are institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (https://www.abhes.org/), a U.S. Department of Education-recognized national accrediting agency.