Jacksonville vs Orlando: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Jacksonville, FL and Orlando, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jacksonville, FL | Orlando, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $87,955 | $87,987▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.28 | $42.30▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,611▲ | $72,548 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,995▲ | $82,574 |
| 75th Percentile | $105,531 | $105,563▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $110,439 | $122,381▲ |
| Total Employed | 18,940 | 30,150▲ |
Verdict
Orlando, FL offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Jacksonville.
The salary gap between Jacksonville and Orlando is $32 (0.04%). Orlando's median is -14.35% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jacksonville spans $37,828,Orlando spans $49,833. Orlando has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Jacksonville ($88,411 effective) pays 1.91% more than Orlando ($86,757 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jacksonville if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $88,411)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Orlando if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($87,987/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($122,381)
- ✓Larger job market (30,150 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Jacksonville grew 33.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.6% growth in Orlando over the same period.
Jacksonville, FL
$62,480 (2019) → $83,520 (2025)
Orlando, FL
$65,460 (2019) → $83,550 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jacksonville, FL
Orlando, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Jacksonville or Orlando?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jacksonville and Orlando?
Should I relocate from Jacksonville to Orlando as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Jacksonville vs Orlando?
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% 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 Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov