RN vs LPN Salary in Florida: 2026 Comparison
Updated 16 April 2026
In Florida, RNs earn $72,000 on average while LPNs earn $49,000, a gap of $23,000 per year. The cost of living in Florida is near the national average (index: 100).
RN Average
$72,000
LPN Average
$49,000
Gap
$23,000
Cost of Living
100
(US avg = 100)
Entry-Level vs Experienced Salary
| Level | RN Salary | LPN Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (0-2 years) | $58,000 | $39,000 |
| Average (all experience) | $72,000 | $49,000 |
| Experienced (10+ years) | $88,000 | $58,000 |
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 | $78,000 | $52,000 | $26,000 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee | $70,000 | $48,000 | $22,000 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg | $72,000 | $49,000 | $23,000 |
| Jacksonville | $70,000 | $47,000 | $23,000 |
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers | $68,000 | $46,000 | $22,000 |
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
$72,000
$72,000 nominal adjusted to national COL baseline
LPN Purchasing Power
$49,000
$49,000 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 website