Miami vs Lakeland: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Miami, FL and Lakeland, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Miami, FL | Lakeland, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,179▲ | $63,357 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.82▲ | $30.46 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,038▲ | $48,738 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,018▲ | $55,249 |
| 75th Percentile | $69,857▲ | $65,798 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,106▲ | $74,487 |
| Total Employed | 8,900▲ | 1,310 |
Verdict
Miami, FL offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lakeland.
The salary gap between Miami and Lakeland is $2,822 (4.45%). Miami's median is -2.78% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Miami spans $24,068,Lakeland spans $25,749. Lakeland has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lakeland ($65,222 effective) pays 12.50% more than Miami ($57,973 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Miami if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,179/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($79,106)
- ✓Larger job market (8,900 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Lakeland if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,222)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Miami grew 31.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 41.1% growth in Lakeland over the same period.
Miami, FL
$47,600 (2019) → $62,610 (2025)
Lakeland, FL
$42,480 (2019) → $59,940 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lakeland, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Miami or Lakeland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Miami and Lakeland?
Should I relocate from Miami to Lakeland as a licensed practical nurse?
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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.
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