Orlando vs Jacksonville: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Orlando, FL and Jacksonville, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Orlando, FL | Jacksonville, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $87,987▲ | $87,955 |
| Hourly Rate | $42.30▲ | $42.28 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,548 | $72,611▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,574 | $82,995▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $105,563▲ | $105,531 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $122,381▲ | $110,439 |
| Total Employed | 30,150▲ | 18,940 |
Verdict
Orlando, FL offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Jacksonville.
The salary gap between Orlando and Jacksonville 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 Orlando spans $49,833,Jacksonville spans $37,828. Orlando 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, 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 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
Choose Jacksonville if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $88,411)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Orlando grew 27.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.7% growth in Jacksonville over the same period.
Orlando, FL
$65,460 (2019) → $83,550 (2025)
Jacksonville, FL
$62,480 (2019) → $83,520 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Orlando, FL
Jacksonville, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Orlando or Jacksonville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Orlando and Jacksonville?
Should I relocate from Orlando to Jacksonville as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Orlando vs Jacksonville?
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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