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Registered Nurse Salary in Florida 2026: City-by-City Pay Data

AH
Ava Health Editorial
··7 min read

Registered Nurse Salary in Florida (2026): City-by-City Pay Data

The average registered nurse salary in Florida in 2026 is $73,200/year ($35.19/hour) based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and compensation data from AdventHealth, HCA Florida, BayCare Health, and other major Florida health systems. Salaries range significantly across the state based on city, employer, specialty unit, shift, and certifications held.

RN Salary by City in Florida

City / MetroAvg Annual SalaryNotes
Miami$79,500highest cost of living, UM Health + Jackson
Orlando$74,800AdventHealth + Orlando Health systems
Tampa$73,100TGH + BayCare + HCA Florida
Jacksonville$70,400UF Health + Baptist Health system
Naples$72,000NCH + HCA Florida Physicians

Highest-Paying Nursing Specialties in Florida

SpecialtyAvg Annual Salary
CRNA$218,000
ICU / Critical Care RN$89,000
Cardiac Cath Lab RN$87,500
OR / Surgical RN$84,000
Emergency RN$81,000
L&D RN$80,000

Top Florida Healthcare Employers for RNs

  • AdventHealth
  • HCA Florida
  • BayCare Health
  • UF Health
  • Jackson Health
  • Orlando Health
  • NCH Healthcare

Compact License Status

Florida is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). RNs holding a compact license in another NLC state can practice in Florida without obtaining an additional state license.

Florida RN Job Market Outlook

Florida is projected to need 50,000+ additional RNs by 2030 driven by retiree population growth. Travel nurse assignments in FL average $2,200–$2,800/week. The state board (FLBON) processes endorsements in 4–8 weeks for compact state nurses.

How to Maximize Your RN Salary in Florida

  1. Pursue specialty unit certification: CCRN (critical care), CEN (emergency), RNC-OB (L&D), CNOR (OR) — each adds $6,000–$15,000 at major Florida health systems
  2. Night and weekend differential: Typically +$3–$7/hr, translating to $6,000–$14,000 in annualized additional income at full-time hours
  3. Charge nurse role: +$2–$5/hr at most facilities; first step toward nurse manager track
  4. Travel or PRN status: Experienced Florida RNs earn 30–50% more as travelers or per-diem staff
  5. BSN or MSN completion: Most major Florida systems pay $1–$3/hr more for BSN-prepared nurses; MSN opens management and APRN pathways

Related: RN Salary by State 2026, Travel Nurse Salary Guide, ICU Nurse Salary 2026, NP Salary Guide.

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