---
title: Job Outlook for Nurses in Chesapeake
url: "https://arizonacollege.edu/chesapeake-nursing-school/job-outlook-for-nurses-in-chesapeake-virginia/"
type: campus-location
date_published: 2025-10-08
date_modified: 2026-05-01
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language: en-US
word_count: 2584
reading_time: 13 min
canonical: "https://arizonacollege.edu/chesapeake-nursing-school/job-outlook-for-nurses-in-chesapeake-virginia/"
---

# Job Outlook for Nurses in Chesapeake

Chesapeake

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# Job Outlook for Nurses in Chesapeake, Virginia

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Nursing remains a cornerstone of healthcare, with demand for skilled
professionals nationwide and the Chesapeake area is no exception. The field
encompasses various roles, from licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and vocational
nurses (LVNs) to registered nurses (RNs), each contributing to patient care.
Understanding the job outlook for nurses is essential, as it highlights the
growing need for these roles and the stability they offer in today’s healthcare
environment.

The Job Outlook for Nurses in Virginia contains information compiled from U.S.
Bureau of Labor Statistics and various other data sources to provide you with a
solid understanding of the job outlook, RN salary in Virginia, and nursing
opportunities in the Chesapeake metro area. Information in this overview will
primarily focus on exploring the opportunities and professional landscape for
those pursuing an RN career with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

## What is an RN or Registered Nurse?

A registered nurse (RN) is a licensed healthcare professional responsible for a
variety of patient care tasks. These include educating patients and families
about health conditions, identifying and addressing potential medical issues,
administering medications, and advocating for patient well-being. RNs also
design, implement, and assess nursing care plans, making them essential in
ensuring coordinated and effective patient care.

## How do you become a nurse in Chesapeake?

In Virginia, there are several pathways to enter the nursing profession,
depending on the type of nurse. For example, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs)
can start their careers after completing a state-approved training program and
passing a competency exam. Those aiming to become Licensed Practical Nurses
(LPNs), need to complete a practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN exam.

To become a registered nurse in Virginia, you’ll need to complete a 
[nursing degree program](https://arizonacollege.edu/chesapeake-nursing-school/).
Among program choices, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is one of
the most popular, providing graduates with a foundation in nursing education, a
broad choice in specialties, and increased job growth potential. After earning a
degree, graduates must take the 
[National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN)](https://www.nclex.com/index.page).

Passing the NCLEX-RN examination grants individuals eligibility to apply for a
nursing license in the state where they intend to practice as a Registered
Nurse.

## What is the median RN salary in Virginia?

Nurses in Virginia, particularly in the Chesapeake metropolitan area, enjoy
competitive salaries. The positive job outlook for nurses means that even those
newly entering the field can often find stable employment, with the Chesapeake
region, including cities like Virginia Beach and Norfolk, offering favorable
conditions for RNs.

The median RN salary in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Norfolk, VA, is $85,399
annually, regional compensation vs. national compensation is highlighted below.
\*
[_Source: Lightcast Q3 2025 Data Set_](https://arizonacollege.edu/chesapeake-nursing-school/job-outlook-for-nurses-in-chesapeake-virginia/#source)

For those reaching the top percentiles of the profession, the earning potential
is even greater. Nationally, registered nurses in the 90th percentile earn an
hourly wage of $65.06, which amounts to an annual salary of $135,320. According
to May 2024 data, RNs in the 10th percentile, often those just beginning their
careers or in entry-level roles, earn an hourly wage of $31.75, translating to
an annual salary of $66,030. This range illustrates the potential for salary
growth as RNs gain experience and advance in their careers. (Source:
[Registered Nurses BLS May 2024 Data](https://www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/29-1141.00?st=VA)
)

![Graph of RN Salary Nursing Program in Virginia](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RN-Salary-Nursing-Program-in-Virginia.webp)

## Regional vs. National RN Compensation at a Glance

Registered nurses in the Chesapeake – Virginia Beach – Norfolk, VA region earn a
median salary that is 9% lower than the national average. This chart illustrates
this regional difference.

\*
[_Source: Lightcast Q3 2025 Data Set_](https://arizonacollege.edu/chesapeake-nursing-school/job-outlook-for-nurses-in-chesapeake-virginia/#source)

![Graph of Nursing Program in Virginia RN Salary](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Nursing-Program-in-Virginia-RN-Salary.webp)

## Nursing Careers in Chesapeake

The Chesapeake – Virginia Beach – Norfolk, VA metro area, is home to a growing
nursing job market.

- **Number of Registered Nurses:** The area is home to approximately 16,578
  Registered Nurses, while the national average for an area this size is 16,305.
- **Employment per 1000 jobs:** For every 1000 jobs, there are about 24
  registered nurses in the area.

These points highlight the opportunity for nursing professionals in and around
Chesapeake. A career in nursing not only offers a stable and rewarding
profession but also the opportunity to work in many different fields and
specialties. 
[_Source: BLS May 2024 Data_](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_38060.htm)

## Where do RNs work in Virginia?

The Chesapeake metro area boasts a variety of large hospital networks, specialty
clinics, and long-term care facilities. Arizona College of Nursing’s three-year
BSN program is designed to prepare graduates for entry-level roles across these
sectors.

Chesapeake offers job opportunities in both acute care and ambulatory settings,
with growth projected for both these fields.

Nurses also enjoy significant career flexibility. Beyond traditional day shifts,
many healthcare institutions offer evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday
shifts. Employers often provide shift differentials, offering higher pay for
non-day shifts, which can notably boost your RN salary in Virginia.

## What are the top Virginia cities by RN job postings?

The top Virginia cities for total and unique registered nurse job postings are
highlighted in the table below. These cities are key centers for nursing
careers, offering a variety of opportunities for registered nurses across the
state.

_Date Range for Total & Unique Postings: September 2024 – August 2025. \*[Source: Lightcast Q3 2025 Data Set.](https://arizonacollege.edu/chesapeake-nursing-school/job-outlook-for-nurses-in-chesapeake-virginia/#source)_

| City | Total Postings | Unique Postings |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Norfolk, VA | 4,636 | 1,018 |
| Virginia Beach, VA | 2,904 | 711 |
| Newport News, VA | 2,027 | 592 |
| Hampton, VA | 1,084 | 344 |
| Chesapeake, VA | 1,026 | 317 |
| Portsmouth, VA | 1,932 | 293 |
| Suffolk, VA | 1,400 | 289 |
| Williamsburg, VA | 737 | 207 |
| Jamestown, VA | 248 | 115 |
| Smithfield, VA | 95 | 33 |

## What are the top industries hiring nurses in Virginia?

The leading industries in Virginia are expanding rapidly, creating job
opportunities across different fields. These sectors provide diverse career
paths for professionals seeking to advance their careers. \*
[_Source: Lightcast Q3 2025 Data Set._](https://arizonacollege.edu/chesapeake-nursing-school/job-outlook-for-nurses-in-chesapeake-virginia/#source)

| Industries | Total (September 2024 – August 2025) |
| --- | --- |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 6,606 |
| Unclassified Industry | 1,360 |
| Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists) | 1,061 |
| Office Administrative Services | 593 |
| Other Residential Care Facilities | 2,308 |
| Home Health Care Services | 503 |
| Kidney Dialysis Centers | 954 |
| Direct Health and Medical Insurance Carriers | 345 |
| Ambulance Services | 511 |

## What kind of job growth is there for Registered Nurses in Chesapeake, Virginia?

O\*NET OnLine projects positive job growth for nurses both nationally and within
the Chesapeake metro area over the next decade.

From 2024 to 2034, job growth for registered nurses in the United States is
expected to grow 5%, potentially creating around 189,100 new nursing positions
annually by 2034. 
[_Source O\*NET OnLine_](https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/29-1141.00?st=VA)

In Chesapeake, the nursing profession is expected to grow by 4%, with nearly
4,160 annual job openings projected between 2022 and 2032. 
[_Source O\*NET OnLine_](https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/29-1141.00?st=VA)

## Job Posting Demand: Regional vs. National Comparison

This section highlights key comparisons between the Chesapeake metro area and
the national average in terms of job opportunities, compensation, and demand for
nursing positions. It provides insights into how the Chesapeake – Virginia Beach
– Norfolk area aligns with or differs from national trends across these key
factors. \*
[_Source: Lightcast Q3 2025 Data Set._](https://arizonacollege.edu/chesapeake-nursing-school/job-outlook-for-nurses-in-chesapeake-virginia/#source)

![Graph of Nursing Program Virginia Nursing Job Postings](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Nursing-Program-Virginia-Nursing-Job-Postings.webp?w=1024)

### Jobs (2025)

The national average for an area this size is 16,305\* employees, while there
are 16,578 here.

![RN Salary Nursing Program in Virginia](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RN-Salary-Nursing-Program-in-Virginia.webp?w=1024)

### Compensation

The national median salary for Registered Nurses is $93,600, compared to $85,399
here.

![Graph of Nursing Jobs Nursing School in Virginia](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Nursing-Jobs-Nursing-School-in-Virginia.webp?w=1024)

### Job Posting Demand

The national average for an area this size is 1,155\* job postings/mo, while
there are 1,500 here.

_\*National average values are derived by taking the national value for Registered Nurses and scaling it down to account for the difference in overall workforce size between the nation and Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, and Norfolk, VA. In other words, the value represents the national average adjusted for region size._

## Employment Trends: Regional vs. National Averages

The data highlights employment trends in the Chesapeake area, comparing them to
national averages to provide a comprehensive view of job opportunities and
demand. Notably, employment trends in Chesapeake are about equal to the national
average. \*
[_Source: Lightcast Q3 2025 Data Set._](https://arizonacollege.edu/chesapeake-nursing-school/job-outlook-for-nurses-in-chesapeake-virginia/#source)

![Graph of Nursing School in Virginia Nursing Jobs](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Nursing-School-in-Virginia-Nursing-Jobs.webp)

## What is the job outlook for other nursing roles in Chesapeake and Virginia?

Registered nurses (RNs) are essential to healthcare delivery, but they are not
the only nursing professionals involved in patient care. Licensed practical
nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) also contribute
significantly to patient care and support healthcare teams. Similar to RN roles,
the outlook for LPNs and LVNs in Virginia remains promising.

As of May 2024, data from the 
[U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)](https://www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/29-2061.00?st=VA)
 reports that the national average annual wage for LPNs and LVNs is $62,340. \*
[_Source: Lightcast Q3 2025 Data Set._](https://arizonacollege.edu/chesapeake-nursing-school/job-outlook-for-nurses-in-chesapeake-virginia/#source)

On average, LPNs and LVNs earn less than registered nurses across the country.
This difference is largely due to the broader scope of responsibilities that RNs
take on in patient care compared to LPNs and LVNs.

While LPNs and LVNs are vital to the healthcare system, those considering a
nursing career should note that becoming an RN with a BSN offers more extensive
career advancement opportunities than pursuing a role as an LPN.

## Industry Sectors with the Most Job Opportunities

The graphic highlights the industry sectors where nursing jobs are most commonly
found, with the majority of positions located within the general medical and
surgical hospitals sector. This sector remains the largest employer of nursing
professionals, offering numerous opportunities for career growth. \*
[_Source: Lightcast Q3 2025 Data Set._](https://arizonacollege.edu/chesapeake-nursing-school/job-outlook-for-nurses-in-chesapeake-virginia/#source)

| Industries | % of Occupation in Industry (2025) |
| --- | --- |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 38.4% |
| Federal Government, Civilian | 19.0% |
| Offices of Physicians | 8.7% |
| Home Health Care Services | 8.7% |
| Education and Hospitals (Local Government) | 6.1% |
| Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities) | 2.9% |
| Other | 16.3% |

## Who are the top nursing employers hiring in the Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, and Norfolk area?

The graphic showcases the top companies in the Chesapeake area that are leading
the way in nursing job opportunities. These employers represent a diverse range
of healthcare providers, offering significant contributions to the region’s
healthcare system and attracting skilled nursing professionals. \*
[_Source: Lightcast Q3 2025 Data Set._](https://arizonacollege.edu/chesapeake-nursing-school/job-outlook-for-nurses-in-chesapeake-virginia/#source)

| Top Companies | Unique Postings |
| --- | --- |
| Sentara Healthcare | 864 |
| Riverside Health System | 291 |
| Bon Secours | 269 |
| Sentara Health Systems | 257 |
| Chesapeake Regional Healthcare | 88 |
| Children’s Hospital Of The King’s Daughters | 86 |
| DaVita | 81 |
| Cone Health | 80 |
| United States Department of Veterans Affairs | 73 |
| Virginia Eye Consultants | 66 |

## What are the top nursing job titles in the Chesapeake – Virginia Beach – Norfolk area?

This graphic highlights the range of nursing job titles in demand across the
Chesapeake area, offering insight into the roles shaping the local healthcare
workforce. The variety of titles reflects the wide range of opportunities
available within the nursing community. \*
[_Source: Lightcast Q3 2025 Data Set._](https://arizonacollege.edu/chesapeake-nursing-school/job-outlook-for-nurses-in-chesapeake-virginia/#source)

| Top Job Titles | Unique Postings |
| --- | --- |
| Registered Nurses | 1,118 |
| Travel Registered Nurses | 351 |
| ICU Registered Nurses | 344 |
| Telemetry Travel Registered Nurses | 334 |
| Telemetry Registered Nurses | 297 |
| Medical Surgical Registered Nurses | 282 |
| Progressive Care Unit Registered Nurses | 271 |
| Home Health Registered Nurses | 267 |
| PCU/Step Down Travel Registered Nurses | 211 |
| Step Down Registered Nurses | 176 |

## What are the top skills in demand for nursing professionals?

The graphic below showcases the top skills most in demand across nursing job
postings, along with the projected growth for each skill. These competencies are
key to staying competitive in the nursing field and are expected to influence
future job opportunities. \*
[_Source: Lightcast Q3 2025 Data Set._](https://arizonacollege.edu/chesapeake-nursing-school/job-outlook-for-nurses-in-chesapeake-virginia/#source)

| Skill | Job Postings Requested | Projected Growth |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | 9,583 | 18.1% |
| Nursing | 6,831 | 20.1% |
| Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification | 4,043 | 13.9% |
| Nursing Care | 2,506 | 19.1% |
| Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Certification | 1,710 | 12.3% |
| Medication Administration | 1,514 | 14.3% |
| Intensive Care Unit | 1,375 | 3.2% |
| Nursing Process | 1,345 | 24.2% |
| Care Coordination | 1,342 | 15.6% |
| Home Health Care | 1,017 | 19.0% |

## Leading Nursing Programs

The chart below presents the nursing programs with the highest number of
completions, underscoring the prominence of Registered Nursing as the primary
choice for many nursing students. Other specialized fields, such as Nursing
Administration and Family Practice Nursing, also demonstrate notable completion
figures, highlighting growing interest in advanced nursing roles. \*
[_Source: Lightcast Q3 2025 Data Set._](https://arizonacollege.edu/chesapeake-nursing-school/job-outlook-for-nurses-in-chesapeake-virginia/#source)

| Top Programs | Completions (2023) |
| --- | --- |
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse | 1,807 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions, Other | 65 |
| Health/Medical Preparatory Programs, Other | 48 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing, Other | 44 |
| Family Practice Nurse/Nursing | 36 |
| Nursing Administration | 17 |

## Do you need a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing to be a nurse in Virginia?

![RN Salary Nursing School Virginia BSN](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Nursing-Salary-How-Much-Do-Nurses-Make-in-AZ.webp)

While some entry-level nursing positions may not require a bachelor’s degree,
several nursing associations, government bodies, and healthcare organizations
acknowledge the value of the skills that BSN-prepared nurses bring to their
roles and encourage employers to adopt the BSN as the standard for new hires in
nursing.

According to 
_[The American Association of Colleges of Nursing](https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/fact-sheets/impact-of-education-on-nursing-practice)_
, nurses with a BSN are more adept at handling complex patient cases and are
linked to better patient outcomes due to their advanced training. Though there
are other entry points into nursing, pursuing a BSN opens up broader career
prospects such as employment at a 
[Magnet-designated](https://www.nursingworld.org/organizational-programs/magnet/)
 hospital.

With job growth, stability, and competitive compensation, nursing offers an
excellent career path.

## Arizona College of Nursing is Here to Help

If you’re considering a career as a registered nurse (RN), Arizona College of
Nursing is here to help you pursue your dream. Learn more about our BSN program
here.

_\*The included job listing data is sourced from proprietary job outlook reports developed by Lightcast. The information on this page is derived from data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and consolidated reports from Lightcast, except for indicated external links._