Miami vs Orlando: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Miami, FL and Orlando, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Miami, FL | Orlando, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $96,232▲ | $87,987 |
| Hourly Rate | $46.26▲ | $42.30 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,497▲ | $72,548 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,785▲ | $82,574 |
| 75th Percentile | $109,859▲ | $105,563 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $136,008▲ | $122,381 |
| Total Employed | 61,670▲ | 30,150 |
Verdict
Miami, FL offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Orlando.
The salary gap between Miami and Orlando is $8,245 (9.37%). Miami's median is -6.33% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Miami spans $59,511,Orlando spans $49,833. Miami has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Orlando ($86,757 effective) pays 2.92% more than Miami ($84,299 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Miami if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($96,232/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($136,008)
- ✓Larger job market (61,670 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Orlando if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $86,757)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Miami grew 33.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.6% growth in Orlando over the same period.
Miami, FL
$68,550 (2019) → $91,380 (2025)
Orlando, FL
$65,460 (2019) → $83,550 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Orlando, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Miami or Orlando?
What is the hourly rate difference between Miami and Orlando?
Should I relocate from Miami to Orlando as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Miami 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