Orlando vs St. Petersburg: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Orlando, FL and St. Petersburg, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Orlando, FL | St. Petersburg, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,509 | $65,696▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.01 | $31.58▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,797▲ | $50,515 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,270▲ | $59,940 |
| 75th Percentile | $66,919 | $77,850▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,419 | $90,473▲ |
| Total Employed | 4,430▲ | 42 |
Verdict
St. Petersburg, FL offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Orlando.
The salary gap between Orlando and St. Petersburg is $1,187 (1.84%). St. Petersburg's median is -3.49% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Orlando spans $25,622,St. Petersburg spans $39,958. St. Petersburg 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, St. Petersburg ($65,175 effective) pays 2.46% more than Orlando ($63,607 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Orlando if…
- ✓Larger job market (4,430 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose St. Petersburg if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,696/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,473)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,175)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Orlando grew 34.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.4% growth in St. Petersburg over the same period.
Orlando, FL
$45,320 (2019) → $61,030 (2025)
St. Petersburg, FL
$56,795 (2024) → $62,153 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Orlando, FL
St. Petersburg, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Orlando or St. Petersburg?
What is the hourly rate difference between Orlando and St. Petersburg?
Should I relocate from Orlando to St. Petersburg as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Orlando vs St. Petersburg?
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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