Key West vs Tampa: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Key West, FL and Tampa, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Key West, FL | Tampa, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,066 | $90,008▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.90 | $43.27▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,647 | $77,182▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $69,761 | $83,458▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $96,600 | $107,606▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $112,842 | $131,079▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 38,720▲ |
Verdict
Tampa, FL offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Key West.
The salary gap between Key West and Tampa is $4,942 (5.81%). Tampa's median is -12.38% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Key West spans $52,195,Tampa spans $53,897. Tampa 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, Tampa ($89,214 effective) pays 5.72% more than Key West ($84,391 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Key West if…
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($90,008/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($131,079)
- ✓Larger job market (38,720 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $89,214)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Key West grew 2.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.2% growth in Tampa over the same period.
Key West, FL
$78,463 (2024) → $80,777 (2025)
Tampa, FL
$67,750 (2019) → $85,470 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Key West, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Key West or Tampa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Key West and Tampa?
Should I relocate from Key West to Tampa as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Key West vs Tampa?
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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