Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Hampton, VA

The Salary Picture: Where Hampton Stands

Living and working as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Hampton, Virginia, offers a stable career path with a cost of living that is slightly below the national average. The median salary for an LPN in the Hampton metro area is $54,193 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $26.05. This is very close to the national average for LPNs, which is $54,620 per year. The local job market is steady, with approximately 274 LPN positions available in the metro area. Looking ahead, the Virginia Employment Commission projects a 10-year job growth rate of 5% for LPNs, which is on par with the national average for healthcare support occupations. This indicates a reliable, if not explosive, demand for skilled nurses in the region.

To understand what your earning potential looks like at different stages of your career, here’s a breakdown based on experience levels common in the Hampton area. Note that these are estimates based on local market trends and the provided median data.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate	Typical Work Setting
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$48,000 - $50,000	$23.08 - $24.04	Nursing homes, home health, hospital med-surg units
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$52,000 - $56,000	$25.00 - $26.92	Specialized units (rehab, dialysis), supervisor roles
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$58,000 - $63,000	$27.88 - $30.29	Charge nurse, clinical educator, case management
Expert/Leadership (15+ years)	$65,000+	$31.25+	Management, regulatory compliance, specialty clinics

When comparing Hampton to other Virginia cities, it's important to consider both salary and cost of living. For example, Richmond and Northern Virginia (NOVA) offer higher median salaries for LPNs—often $57,000+ and $60,000+ respectively—but the cost of living, particularly housing, is significantly higher. In contrast, cities like Roanoke or Lynchburg have lower salaries ($48,000 - $50,000) and a much lower cost of living. Hampton strikes a balance, offering a competitive salary relative to the local cost of living, making it an attractive option for those seeking stability without the high expenses of Virginia's major metropolitan centers.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Understanding your net income is crucial for financial planning. Let’s break down a monthly budget for an LPN earning the median salary of $54,193 in Hampton. This estimate includes federal taxes, FICA (Social Security and Medicare), and Virginia state taxes.

• Gross Monthly Income: $4,516
• Estimated Taxes & Deductions (~22%): $994
• Net Monthly Take-Home Pay: $3,522

Now, let's factor in the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Hampton, which is $910 per month. This leaves you with approximately $2,612 for all other living expenses.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an LPN at Median Salary:

Expense Category	Average Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Apt)	$910	Average across Hampton; varies by neighborhood
Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas, Internet)	$200 - $250	Can be higher in older buildings or peak summer/winter months
Groceries	$350 - $400	For one person; shopping at local stores like Kroger or Food Lion
Transportation (Car Payment, Insurance, Gas)	$400 - $500	Essential in Hampton; public transit is limited
Health Insurance (if not fully covered by employer)	$150 - $300	Varies by employer plan
Discretionary & Savings	$1,012 - $1,112	For dining out, entertainment, and savings/investments

Can you afford to buy a home? The short answer is, with careful planning, yes. The median home price in Hampton is approximately $265,000. For a standard 20% down payment ($53,000), a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would be around $1,400 - $1,500. This is significantly higher than the average rent, but it's manageable on a median LPN salary if you have minimal other debt and can save aggressively for the down payment. Many local LPNs choose to live in more affordable apartments or with roommates for the first few years to build their down payment fund before buying a home in neighborhoods like Hampton Roads or Phoebus.

Where the Jobs Are: Hampton's Major Employers

Hampton's healthcare landscape is dominated by a few large systems and several specialized facilities. Knowing the key players is essential for your job search. The hiring trend is consistent, with most facilities seeking LPNs for long-term care, rehabilitation, and home health roles. Hospitals tend to hire LPNs for specific units like psychiatric care or outpatient clinics, while RNs handle more acute care.

1. Sentara Healthcare: This is the largest employer in the region. Sentara operates Sentara CarePlex Hospital in Hampton, a specialized orthopedic and surgical hospital, and numerous outpatient clinics. They frequently hire LPNs for their home health division (Sentara Home Care Services) and in their rehab and long-term care facilities. Insider Tip: Sentara has a strong internal career ladder. Many LPNs start in home health or nursing homes and use Sentara's tuition reimbursement to become RNs.
2. Newport News Shipbuilding (Huntington Ingalls Industries): While not a healthcare employer, this massive industrial site is a major driver of the local economy. They have an on-site occupational health clinic that employs LPNs for employee wellness, injury treatment, and regulatory compliance screenings. These jobs are highly sought after for their excellent benefits and industrial safety focus.
3. Hampton Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center: Located near the Hampton Coliseum, this facility provides care to military veterans. It offers LPN positions in primary care, mental health, and long-term care. Federal jobs come with robust benefits and job security. Hiring is often through USAJobs.gov, and the process can be slower than private sector hiring.
4. BayAge Senior Living (and other local nursing homes): Facilities like BayAge and others in the area (e.g., The Gardens at Patrick Henry, Augustine Health & Rehabilitation) are consistently the largest employers of LPNs. They offer stable schedules, including 12-hour shifts and weekend options. The trend here is a focus on geriatric and post-acute care.
5. Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters (CHKD) - Hampton Outpatient Center: CHKD has a growing presence in Hampton, offering specialty pediatric outpatient services. LPNs are often needed for immunization clinics, well-child visits, and specialty practice support (e.g., cardiology, endocrinology). This is a great option for those interested in pediatrics without the intensity of a full children's hospital.
6. Local Home Health Agencies: Several smaller, locally-owned home health agencies serve the Peninsula. These can be a great entry point for new LPNs, offering flexibility and direct patient care. Companies like Interim HealthCare and Help at Home are active in the area. The trend is toward more tech-integrated care, with LPNs using tablets for documentation during visits.

Getting Licensed in VA

If you are moving from another state, you must obtain a Virginia LPN license. If you are a new graduate, the process is straightforward.

For Out-of-State LPNs (Licensure by Endorsement):

• Requirements: You must have an active, unencumbered LPN license from another state and have passed the NCLEX-PN exam. You will need to submit a notarized application, verification of your original license (often through NURSYS), and pay the fees.
• Costs: The application fee is $175. There may be additional costs for fingerprinting (around $50) and notarization.
• Timeline: The Virginia Board of Nursing (VBN) typically processes applications in 4-6 weeks. You can work under a temporary permit while your application is pending if you have a job offer.
• Action Step: Start your application on the Virginia Board of Nursing website as soon as you have a job offer or decide to move. Gather all your documents early.

For New Graduates:

• Requirements: You must graduate from a Board-approved LPN program and pass the NCLEX-PN exam.
• Costs: The NCLEX-PN exam fee is $200, and the Virginia licensure application fee is $175.
• Timeline: After graduation, you can apply for a temporary permit to work while you wait for your NCLEX results. The full license is issued upon passing the exam.

Insider Tip: The VBN has a user-friendly online portal. Keep a digital and physical folder of all your documents (transcripts, exam scores, license verifications) as you will need them for multiple applications.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs)

Hampton's neighborhoods offer different lifestyles and commute times to major employers. Here are four top areas for LPNs:

1. Phoebus: This historic district near the Hampton VA Medical Center and downtown Hampton is great for those who want a walkable, community feel. It's close to many long-term care facilities and the Sentara clinics. Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,100/month. Commute: Less than 10 minutes to VA, Sentara CarePlex, and downtown.
2. Hampton Roads (Buckroe Beach Area): Located in the northeastern part of the city, this area offers a quieter, more residential feel with easy access to I-64. It's a good home base for commuting to Newport News Shipbuilding or the main Sentara hospitals in Newport News. Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,200/month. Commute: 15-20 minutes to most major employers.
3. Downtown Hampton: Ideal for those who want to be in the heart of the action. It's close to the Coliseum, waterfront parks, and restaurants. Commuting to the VA or Sentara CarePlex is easy. Parking can be a consideration. Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,300/month. Commute: 5-10 minutes to VA and Sentara CarePlex.
4. Kecoughtan (near Peninsula Regional Medical Center): While technically in neighboring Newport News, this area is adjacent to Hampton and is home to the main Sentara Regional Medical Center campus. Many Hampton LPNs live here for the super-short commute to one of the area's largest hospitals. Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,150/month. Commute: 5-10 minutes to Sentara RMH.
5. Fox Hill (Northern Shore): A family-oriented neighborhood with older, well-maintained homes. It's more suburban and a bit further from the main hospital clusters but offers good value and a quiet lifestyle. Rent Estimate: $800 - $1,000/month. Commute: 15-25 minutes to most healthcare employers.

The Long Game: Career Growth

While the base salary for LPNs is stable, there are clear paths to increase your income and responsibilities in Hampton.

Specialty Premiums: LPNs in specialized areas often earn more than the median. For example:

• Dialysis: LPNs certified in hemodialysis can earn $2-$4 more per hour.
• Psychiatric/Mental Health: Working at the Hampton VA or a behavioral health unit may come with a shift differential or specialty pay.
• Infusion Therapy: LPNs trained in IV therapy for home health or outpatient clinics can command higher rates.

Advancement Paths:

1. Clinical Ladder: Many employers like Sentara have clinical ladder programs. By pursuing certifications (e.g., wound care, gerontology) and taking on preceptor roles, you can advance from LPN I to LPN II or III, with corresponding pay raises.
2. Bridge to RN: The most common path for significant salary growth. Hampton has several excellent ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) programs, such as those at Thomas Nelson Community College and Paul D. Camp Community College. Many local hospitals, including Sentara and the VA, offer tuition reimbursement to help LPNs become RNs, which can increase earning potential to $70,000+.
3. Leadership Roles: After gaining experience, you can move into roles like Charge Nurse (in a nursing home or rehab unit), Clinical Supervisor (in home health), or Case Manager (coordinating care for patients). These roles often come with a salary increase and more regular hours.

10-Year Outlook: The 5% job growth ensures steady demand. The aging population of the Hampton Roads region, including a large veteran community, will continue to drive the need for LPNs in long-term care, home health, and geriatric primary care. Technology will play a bigger role, with LPNs needing to be proficient with electronic health records (EHRs). Those who adapt to telehealth support roles and specialized certifications will be most in demand.

The Verdict: Is Hampton Right for You?

Hampton offers a solid, balanced career for LPNs seeking stability, a reasonable cost of living, and a mild coastal climate. It's not a high-growth, high-cost market like Northern Virginia, but it provides a dependable foundation for a long-term nursing career.

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: Consistent demand in nursing homes, home health, and VA.	Limited Career Ceiling for LPNs: Most hospital acute care roles are for RNs. Advancement often requires further education.
Affordable Cost of Living: Rent and home prices are manageable on an LPN salary.	Traffic and Commutes: The Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel can cause significant delays, affecting commutes to neighboring cities.
Diverse Employer Base: Options from federal (VA) to large systems (Sentara) to small agencies.	Weather: Summers are hot and humid, and hurricane season (June-Nov) is a real consideration.
Access to Beaches and Water: Excellent for work-life balance and outdoor recreation.	Limited Public Transit: A car is a necessity for most residents.
Proximity to Major Hubs: Easy access to Richmond (1.5 hrs) and Norfolk (30 mins) for bigger-city amenities.	Slower Pace of Change: The healthcare market evolves steadily, not rapidly.

Final Recommendation: Hampton is an excellent choice for LPNs who value work-life balance, affordability, and job stability. It's particularly well-suited for those with families or who are planning to buy a home. If you are seeking the highest possible salary and the fastest-paced career environment, you might consider Richmond or Northern Virginia, but you'll pay a premium for it. For a sustainable, satisfying nursing career with a high quality of life, Hampton is a very strong contender.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car to work as an LPN in Hampton?
Yes, absolutely. While some neighborhoods are walkable, the healthcare employers are spread across the city and into neighboring Newport News. Public transportation (Hampton Roads Transit) exists but is not reliable for shift work. Most LPNs drive to work.

2. How competitive is the job market for new LPN graduates in Hampton?
The market is steady but competitive. New graduates should apply broadly to nursing homes and home health agencies, as these are the most common entry points. Having a clean background check and passing the NCLEX quickly are key. Networking during clinical rotations is invaluable.

3. What is the typical shift schedule for an LPN in Hampton?
It varies by setting. Nursing homes often offer 8-hour or 12-hour shifts (days, evenings, nights) with weekend rotations. Home health is typically Monday-Friday, 9-5, with some on-call. Hospital jobs (like at the VA or Sentara CarePlex) may have more traditional 8-hour shifts or 12-hour weekend programs.

4. Are there opportunities for LPNs to work in schools or clinics?
Yes. School nurse positions in Hampton City Schools are typically held by RNs, but LPNs can sometimes find roles in before- or after-school health programs or in private pediatric clinics. The best opportunities are in outpatient specialty clinics, like those at CHKD or Sentara.

5. What is the cost of living like compared to the national average?
With a Cost of Living Index of 97.4 (US avg = 100), Hampton is about 2.6% cheaper than the national average. The biggest savings come from housing and utilities, which offset slightly higher costs for transportation and healthcare. Your $54,193 salary will stretch further here than in many other U.S. cities.

Data Sources: Virginia Board of Nursing, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Virginia Employment Commission, Hampton City Planning Department, Sentara Healthcare careers page, Hampton VA Medical Center careers page.