Most states are paying the same amount of pay of over $11 an hour for the full state for the same attendant job.  Why is Virginia different?  Why is the rural pay a little over $9 an hour with no benefits? In many reqards, it costs more to live rural.  All utilities (if available) charge a premium, because there is no competition.  Grocery stores charge a premium because of little competition. Transportation to access anything (doctors, medications, activities, etc.) in the community means a much longer drive whereas in the city, everything is around the block or could even mean a walk.  Why burden the rest of the state with less income?