Healthcare Resource
Registered Nurse Salary in Florida 2026: City-by-City Pay Data
In brief
Registered nurse salary data for Florida in 2026: average pay $73K, city breakdowns, top employers, highest-paying specialties, and travel RN rates.
In this article
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 / Metro | Avg Annual Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Miami | $79,500 | highest cost of living, UM Health + Jackson |
| Orlando | $74,800 | AdventHealth + Orlando Health systems |
| Tampa | $73,100 | TGH + BayCare + HCA Florida |
| Jacksonville | $70,400 | UF Health + Baptist Health system |
| Naples | $72,000 | NCH + HCA Florida Physicians |
Highest-Paying Nursing Specialties in Florida
| Specialty | Avg 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
- 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
- Night and weekend differential: Typically +$3-$7/hr, translating to $6,000-$14,000 in annualized additional income at full-time hours
- Charge nurse role: +$2-$5/hr at most facilities; first step toward nurse manager track
- Travel or PRN status: Experienced Florida RNs earn 30-50% more as travelers or per-diem staff
- 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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