Lakeland vs Tampa: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Lakeland, FL and Tampa, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lakeland, FL | Tampa, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,357 | $66,052▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.46 | $31.75▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,738 | $53,632▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $55,249 | $62,712▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $65,798 | $68,240▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $74,487 | $78,979▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,310 | 5,870▲ |
Verdict
Tampa, FL offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lakeland.
The salary gap between Lakeland and Tampa is $2,695 (4.25%). Tampa's median is -2.97% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lakeland spans $25,749,Tampa spans $25,347. Lakeland 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, Tampa ($65,469 effective) pays 0.38% more than Lakeland ($65,222 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lakeland if…
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,052/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($78,979)
- ✓Larger job market (5,870 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,469)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Lakeland grew 41.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 37.5% growth in Tampa over the same period.
Lakeland, FL
$42,480 (2019) → $59,940 (2025)
Tampa, FL
$45,450 (2019) → $62,490 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lakeland, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Lakeland or Tampa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lakeland and Tampa?
Should I relocate from Lakeland to Tampa as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Lakeland vs Tampa?
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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