Registered Nurse Jobs in Norfolk, VA

Norfolk, Virginia$77,600 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: March 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

Registered Nurse Salary in Norfolk

Entry Level
$49,470
Median
$77,600
Senior Level
$111,550

Registered Nurse salaries in Norfolk are in line with national averages, offering competitive compensation for the region.

Purchasing power in Norfolk is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

Patient CareClinical SkillsDocumentationCritical ThinkingCommunication

Registered Nurse Job Market in Norfolk

Norfolk, VA is a growing job market with increasing opportunities for Registered Nurse professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Norfolk offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. The city's strong Defense and Maritime sectors create robust demand for Registered Nurse talent. The market for Registered Nurse positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Registered Nurses in Norfolk

Local hospital systemsRegional healthcare networksPrivate medical groups

Major employers hiring Registered Nurses in Norfolk include Local hospital systems, Regional healthcare networks, Private medical groups. With major hospital systems and research institutions, Norfolk offers excellent opportunities for healthcare professionals at all career stages. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Registered Nurses in Norfolk

Living in Norfolk as a Registered Nurse means navigating a cost of living that's close to the national average. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Housing costs are manageable for Registered Nurse salaries in the area. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

97
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.8K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 3
Market Size

Commuting as a Registered Nurse in Norfolk

Norfolk Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for Registered Nurses in Norfolk: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Registered Nurse professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in Virginia

Virginia has moderate state income taxes. When evaluating offers, consider total compensation including benefits, not just base salary. Local cost of living typically has more impact on your finances than state tax differences.

Career Outlook for Registered Nurses

The job outlook for Registered Nurses in Norfolk is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. While the market is smaller, Norfolk offers opportunities for those seeking specialized roles or better work-life balance. In-demand skills include Patient Care, Clinical Skills, Documentation, Critical Thinking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Registered Nurse salary in Norfolk, VA?

The average Registered Nurse salary in Norfolk, VA is $77,600 per year. Entry-level Registered Nurses typically start around $49,470, while experienced professionals can earn $111,550 or more. The national average for Registered Nurse roles is $80,000.

How many Registered Nurse jobs are available in Norfolk?

Norfolk has a growing job market with steady opportunities for Registered Nurse professionals. Major employers hiring Registered Nurses include Local hospital systems, Regional healthcare networks, Private medical groups. The Defense and Maritime sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Norfolk a good city for Registered Nurses?

Norfolk is an solid choice for Registered Nurses. While not as large as coastal metros, it offers solid opportunities and often better work-life balance. The cost of living is reasonable compared to major coastal cities. The city's defense industry creates strong demand for healthcare professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Registered Nurses in Norfolk?

Top skills for Registered Nurses in Norfolk include Patient Care, Clinical Skills, Documentation, Critical Thinking, Communication. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Registered Nurses in Norfolk?

Norfolk's cost of living is near the national average (97% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Purchasing power in Norfolk is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Registered Nurses in Norfolk?

Norfolk Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

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