LPN Salary

Dunedin vs Orlando: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)

Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Dunedin, FL and Orlando, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Dunedin, FL
$61,551
$29.60/hr
Orlando, FL
$64,509
$31.01/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDunedin, FLOrlando, FL
Median Salary$61,551$64,509
Hourly Rate$29.60$31.01
Entry Level (P10)$50,306$52,797
25th Percentile$57,936$60,270
75th Percentile$71,938$66,919
Top Earner (P90)$77,524$78,419
Total Employed64,430
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dunedin ($61,551) and Orlando ($64,509) licensed practical nurse salaries.DunedinOrlandoMedian Salary$61,551$64,509Entry Level (P10)$50,306$52,797Top Earner (P90)$77,524$78,419US Median $68,071

Verdict

Orlando, FL offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Dunedin.

The salary gap between Dunedin and Orlando is $2,958 (4.81%). Orlando's median is -5.23% compared to the US national median of $68,071.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dunedin spans $27,218,Orlando spans $25,622. Dunedin has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Dunedin
P10 (Entry)$50,306
P25$57,936
Median$61,551
P75$71,938
P90 (Top)$77,524
Orlando
P10 (Entry)$52,797
P25$60,270
Median$64,509
P75$66,919
P90 (Top)$78,419

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Orlando ($63,607 effective) pays 4.17% more than Dunedin ($61,063 effective).

Dunedin
Nominal: $61,551
CoL Index: 100.8
Adjusted: $61,063
Orlando
Nominal: $64,509
CoL Index: 101.418
Adjusted: $63,607

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Dunedin if…

  • You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle

Choose Orlando if…

  • Higher median salary ($64,509/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($78,419)
  • Larger job market (4,430 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,607)
  • You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Dunedin grew 9.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 34.7% growth in Orlando over the same period.

Dunedin, FL

+9.6%

$53,134 (2024) → $58,232 (2025)

Orlando, FL

+34.7%

$45,320 (2019) → $61,030 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Dunedin or Orlando?

Orlando has a higher median licensed practical nurse salary at $64,509/year, compared to Dunedin at $61,551/year — a difference of $2,958 (4.81%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dunedin and Orlando?

Dunedin licensed practical nurses earn $29.60/hr while Orlando hygienists earn $31.01/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Dunedin to Orlando as a licensed practical nurse?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dunedin and Orlando. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dunedin = $61,063, Orlando = $63,607), job availability (6 vs 4,430 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Dunedin vs Orlando?

Entry-level (10th percentile) licensed practical nurses earn $50,306 in Dunedin and $52,797 in Orlando. The Orlando area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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Written by Aisha Malik, LPN

Career Analyst

Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.

Clinically reviewed by Daniel Thompson, LPNData verified by Maria Gonzalez, LPN

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov