Norfolk vs Virginia Beach: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Norfolk, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Norfolk, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,144▲ | $41,524 |
| Hourly Rate | $20.26▲ | $19.97 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,570 | $33,239▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $35,570 | $39,213▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $48,264 | $48,521▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $54,121▲ | $50,524 |
| Total Employed | 54 | 8,110▲ |
Verdict
Norfolk, VA offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Virginia Beach.
The salary gap between Norfolk and Virginia Beach is $620 (1.49%). Norfolk's median is -6.36% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Norfolk spans $22,551,Virginia Beach spans $17,285. Norfolk has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Virginia Beach ($42,397 effective) pays 3.82% more than Norfolk ($40,837 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Norfolk if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($42,144/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($54,121)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Larger job market (8,110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $42,397)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Norfolk grew 4.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 39.7% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Norfolk, VA
$37,759 (2024) → $39,572 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$27,900 (2019) → $38,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Norfolk, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Norfolk or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Norfolk and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Norfolk to Virginia Beach as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Norfolk vs Virginia Beach?
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Written by Emily Chen, BSN, RN
Career Analyst
Emily has over 10 years of experience in nursing. She focuses on workforce trends in nursing. Emily has worked in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.50% 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 Emily Chen, BSN, RN, a licensed certified nursing assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov