Clearwater vs Orlando: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Clearwater, FL and Orlando, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Clearwater, FL | Orlando, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,493▲ | $64,509 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.96▲ | $31.01 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,676 | $52,797▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $58,557 | $60,270▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $81,193▲ | $66,919 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $90,592▲ | $78,419 |
| Total Employed | 19 | 4,430▲ |
Verdict
Clearwater, FL offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Orlando.
The salary gap between Clearwater and Orlando is $1,984 (3.08%). Clearwater's median is -2.32% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Clearwater spans $41,916,Orlando spans $25,622. Clearwater has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Clearwater ($65,965 effective) pays 3.71% 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 Clearwater if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,493/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,592)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,965)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Orlando if…
- ✓Larger job market (4,430 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Clearwater grew 11.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 34.7% growth in Orlando over the same period.
Clearwater, FL
$56,368 (2024) → $62,907 (2025)
Orlando, FL
$45,320 (2019) → $61,030 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Clearwater, FL
Orlando, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Clearwater or Orlando?
What is the hourly rate difference between Clearwater and Orlando?
Should I relocate from Clearwater to Orlando as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Clearwater vs Orlando?
Related Comparisons
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