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Travel Nursing in Virginia
Virginia's travel nursing market stretches from the Washington, D.C. suburbs of Northern Virginia to the academic medical centers in Charlottesville and Richmond. Inova Health System dominates Northern Virginia, VCU Health System anchors Richmond, and the University of Virginia Health System in Charlottesville is the state's premier academic medical center. Carilion Clinic in Roanoke and Sentara Healthcare in Norfolk/Hampton Roads provide additional markets.
Virginia is a compact license state with diverse geography spanning the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah Valley, and Chesapeake Bay coast. Northern Virginia offers the highest pay (and cost of living) due to D.C. proximity, while Richmond and other markets provide strong value. The state's rich history, scenic beauty, and moderate climate make it a consistently popular destination.
Quick Stats
Agencies
55+
Avg Weekly Pay
$2,400-$3,600/wk
Compact License
Yes
Virginia is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Nurses with a multistate compact license can practice in VA immediately.
Top Cities
ArlingtonRichmondVirginia BeachCharlottesvilleNorfolk
Top Agencies for Virginia
These agencies are known for strong Virginia assignment inventories, competitive pay, and solid recruiter support.
Licensing Information
Virginia participates in the NLC. Compact license holders can practice immediately.
Processing Time: Endorsement takes 4 to 6 weeks.
Tips for a Smooth Application
- Northern VA pay reflects D.C. cost of living.
- Verify compact status before accepting.
- Virginia Board of Nursing processes efficiently.
- Military families in Hampton Roads create additional healthcare demand.
Popular Cities in Virginia
Arlington
Inova hospitals serve the D.C.-adjacent Northern Virginia market. Arlington and Fairfax offer high pay reflecting the area's cost of living, with Metro access to D.C.
Richmond
VCU Medical Center is a Level I trauma center and academic medical center. Richmond offers affordable housing, a growing food scene, and historic charm.
Virginia Beach
Sentara Virginia Beach General and other facilities serve the Hampton Roads coast. Beach living and military-adjacent healthcare create unique opportunities.
Charlottesville
UVA Health is a nationally ranked academic center. The charming college town offers Blue Ridge Mountain access and vineyard tours.
Norfolk
Sentara Norfolk General is a Level I trauma center and teaching hospital. The naval base creates additional healthcare demand in the area.
Popular Specialties in Virginia
ICU
UVA Health and VCU Medical Center maintain complex ICUs driving critical care demand.
ER
D.C.-area and Hampton Roads trauma centers create consistent ER demand.
Med Surg
Virginia's diverse hospital networks maintain substantial med surg demand.
OR
Academic surgical programs at UVA and VCU drive OR demand.
Housing Notes
Northern VA (Arlington, Fairfax) is expensive at $1,800-$2,400/month. Richmond is moderate at $1,100-$1,500. Virginia Beach is $1,200-$1,600. Charlottesville is $1,200-$1,600. Agency stipends of $1,600-$2,400/week cover most areas.
Nursing Schools in Virginia
Top nursing programs for those looking to build or advance their career.
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Nursing
Richmond, VA
BSNMSNDNPPhD
AccreditedOnline
Average Pay by Specialty
Weekly gross pay ranges for travel nurses in Virginia, based on current market data.
| Specialty | Weekly Pay Range |
|---|---|
| ICU | $2,800-$3,800/wk |
| ER | $2,600-$3,600/wk |
| OR | $2,700-$3,700/wk |
| Med Surg | $2,200-$3,000/wk |
| Telemetry | $2,400-$3,200/wk |
| L&D | $2,500-$3,400/wk |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Virginia is a compact license state.
Yes. NoVA costs rival D.C. itself. Richmond and other markets offer much better value.
Virginia offers D.C.-adjacent high-pay assignments, prestigious academic centers (UVA, VCU), coastal living, and Blue Ridge Mountain scenery.
Yes. Virginia has a graduated income tax with a top rate of 5.75%.
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