Tampa vs Gainesville: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Tampa, FL and Gainesville, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Tampa, FL | Gainesville, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $90,008▲ | $86,217 |
| Hourly Rate | $43.27▲ | $41.45 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,182▲ | $69,210 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,458▲ | $82,079 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,606▲ | $103,962 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $131,079▲ | $108,164 |
| Total Employed | 38,720▲ | 7,470 |
Verdict
Tampa, FL offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Gainesville.
The salary gap between Tampa and Gainesville is $3,791 (4.40%). 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 Tampa spans $53,897,Gainesville spans $38,954. Tampa 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 0.10% more than Gainesville ($89,129 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Gainesville if…
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Tampa grew 26.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.3% growth in Gainesville over the same period.
Tampa, FL
$67,750 (2019) → $85,470 (2025)
Gainesville, FL
$68,600 (2019) → $81,870 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gainesville, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
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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