RN vs LPN Salary in Florida: 2026 Comparison
Updated June 2026
In Florida, RNs earn $90,700 on average while LPNs earn $62,200, a gap of $28,500 per year. The cost of living in Florida is near the national average (index: 100).
RN Average
$90,700
LPN Average
$62,200
Gap
$28,500
Cost of Living
100
(US avg = 100)
Entry-Level vs Experienced Salary
| Level | RN Salary | LPN Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (0-2 years) | $68,000 | $50,000 |
| Average (all experience) | $90,700 | $62,200 |
| Experienced (10+ years) | $120,000 | $74,000 |
Metro Area Breakdown
Salaries vary within Florida depending on the metro area. Larger cities with higher costs of living and more competition for nurses tend to pay more.
| Metro Area | RN Average | LPN Average | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale | $98,000 | $66,000 | $32,000 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee | $88,000 | $61,000 | $27,000 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg | $91,000 | $62,000 | $29,000 |
| Jacksonville | $88,000 | $60,000 | $28,000 |
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers | $86,000 | $58,000 | $28,000 |
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Florida has a cost of living index of 100 (national average = 100). Here is what nursing salaries feel like after adjusting for local purchasing power.
RN Purchasing Power
$90,700
$90,700 nominal adjusted to national COL baseline
LPN Purchasing Power
$62,200
$62,200 nominal adjusted to national COL baseline
Florida Scope of Practice Notes
Florida is a Nurse Licensure Compact state. LPNs in Florida may administer IV fluids and certain IV medications under the direction of an RN after completing approved IV therapy training.
For the full comparison, see our RN vs LPN scope of practice page.
Top Healthcare Employers in Florida
AdventHealth
Baptist Health South Florida
HCA Florida
BayCare Health System
Memorial Healthcare System
Florida Board of Nursing
Always verify licensing requirements, fees, and continuing education obligations with your state board of nursing.
Florida Board of Nursing websiteCompare With Neighboring States
Florida RN vs LPN Salary FAQ
What is the average LPN salary in Florida?
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in Florida earn an average of $62,200 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS, May 2025). Entry-level LPNs typically start around $50,000, while experienced LPNs with 10 or more years earn about $74,000.
What is the average RN salary in Florida?
Registered nurses (RNs) in Florida earn an average of $90,700 per year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), roughly $28,500 more than LPNs. Entry-level RNs typically start near $68,000, and experienced RNs earn around $120,000.
Which Florida metro area pays nurses the most?
Among the major Florida metros, Miami-Fort Lauderdale pays the most, with RNs averaging about $98,000 and LPNs about $66,000 per year. Pay is generally highest in the largest metros, where cost of living and competition for nurses are also higher.
How much more do RNs earn than LPNs in Florida?
In Florida, RNs earn an average of $90,700 versus $62,200 for LPNs, a gap of about $28,500 per year. The difference reflects the RN's broader scope of practice and the additional education an RN licence requires.