Cape Coral vs Orlando: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Cape Coral, FL and Orlando, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cape Coral, FL | Orlando, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,037▲ | $64,509 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.27▲ | $31.01 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,182▲ | $52,797 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,744▲ | $60,270 |
| 75th Percentile | $67,511▲ | $66,919 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $76,611 | $78,419▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,170 | 4,430▲ |
Verdict
Cape Coral and Orlando are closely matched on overall licensed practical nurse compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Cape Coral and Orlando is $528 (0.82%). Cape Coral's median is -4.46% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cape Coral spans $22,429,Orlando spans $25,622. Orlando 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, Orlando ($63,607 effective) pays 0.10% more than Cape Coral ($63,544 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cape Coral if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,037/year)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Orlando if…
- ✓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 Cape Coral grew 38.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 34.7% growth in Orlando over the same period.
Cape Coral, FL
$44,390 (2019) → $61,530 (2025)
Orlando, FL
$45,320 (2019) → $61,030 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cape Coral, FL
Orlando, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Cape Coral or Orlando?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cape Coral and Orlando?
Should I relocate from Cape Coral to Orlando as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Cape Coral vs Orlando?
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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