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Registered Nurse Licensing in Virginia

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for registered nurse in Virginia, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Registered Nurse in Virginia

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Health Professions • Virginia Board of Nursing

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $88,820 median (5% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #19 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Virginia eligibility requirements for Registered Nurse licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  4. 4. Submit the application to Department of Health Professions~Virginia Board of Nursing and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Virginia

With a median salary of $88,820, Registered Nurses in Virginia earn 5% below the national median of $93,600. Virginia ranks #19 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+1.6%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,471

Median annual salary

$88,820

Hourly estimate

$42.70
5% below national median

Difference: -$4,780

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$64,370
  • P2525th percentile$77,650
  • P50Median$88,820
  • P7575th percentile$100,920
  • P9090th percentile$124,040

State vs National Median

State: $88,820
National: $93,600

Total employment: 77,420 | Annual openings: N/A

Registered Nurse Salary Ranking

#19 of 50 statesfor Registered Nurse median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$140,330
#2Hawaii$136,320
#3Oregon$123,990
#4Washington$112,180
#5Alaska$110,690

Nearby States Comparison

Registered Nurse licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Virginia$88,820Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Maryland$96,830Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
West Virginia$79,990Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Kentucky$79,910Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Tennessee$79,030Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
North Carolina$81,860Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Virginia68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Maryland78HighBoard-specific review required.
West Virginia68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Kentucky68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Tennessee68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
North Carolina68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Department of Health Professions • Virginia Board of Nursing

9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA, 23233-1485

Phone: 8043674515

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Virginia

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Acupuncturist$78,140Degree requiredVaries by board
Anesthesiologist$326,130Varies by state boardVaries by board
Athletic Trainer$58,200No educational requirementsVaries by board
Audiologist$85,590Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Registered Nurse in Virginia?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Registered Nurses in Virginia?

Virginia lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Registered Nurses.

What education do you need to become a Registered Nurse in Virginia?

The board typically expects Degree required for Registered Nurse licensure in Virginia.

What is the typical Registered Nurse salary in Virginia?

The median annual salary for Registered Nurses in Virginia is $88,820. Salaries range from $64,370 (10th percentile) to $124,040 (90th percentile).

How does the Registered Nurse salary in Virginia compare to the national average?

Registered Nurses in Virginia earn 5% below the national median of $93,600, with a state median of $88,820.

How many Registered Nurses work in Virginia?

Virginia employs approximately 77,420 Registered Nurses according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Registered Nurse license to Virginia from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Registered Nurses in Virginia?

The licensing agency is Department of Health Professions / Virginia Board of Nursing. Review agency details at https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Nursing/.

How often do you renew a Registered Nurse license in Virginia?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.