Miami vs Tampa: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Miami, FL and Tampa, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Miami, FL | Tampa, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $96,232▲ | $90,008 |
| Hourly Rate | $46.26▲ | $43.27 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,497 | $77,182▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,785▲ | $83,458 |
| 75th Percentile | $109,859▲ | $107,606 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $136,008▲ | $131,079 |
| Total Employed | 61,670▲ | 38,720 |
Verdict
Miami, FL offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Tampa.
The salary gap between Miami and Tampa is $6,224 (6.91%). 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,Tampa spans $53,897. 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, Tampa ($89,214 effective) pays 5.83% 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 Tampa if…
- ✓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 Miami grew 33.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.2% growth in Tampa over the same period.
Miami, FL
$68,550 (2019) → $91,380 (2025)
Tampa, FL
$67,750 (2019) → $85,470 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Miami or Tampa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Miami and Tampa?
Should I relocate from Miami to Tampa as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Miami 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