Melbourne vs Orlando: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Melbourne, FL and Orlando, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Melbourne, FL | Orlando, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,965▲ | $64,509 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.71▲ | $31.01 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,987 | $52,797▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $59,969 | $60,270▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $77,095▲ | $66,919 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,680▲ | $78,419 |
| Total Employed | 12 | 4,430▲ |
Verdict
Melbourne, FL offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Orlando.
The salary gap between Melbourne and Orlando is $1,456 (2.26%). Melbourne's median is -3.09% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Melbourne spans $32,693,Orlando spans $25,622. Melbourne 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, Melbourne ($65,441 effective) pays 2.88% 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 Melbourne if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,965/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,680)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,441)
- ✓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 Melbourne grew 11.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 34.7% growth in Orlando over the same period.
Melbourne, FL
$56,152 (2024) → $62,408 (2025)
Orlando, FL
$45,320 (2019) → $61,030 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Melbourne, FL
Orlando, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Melbourne or Orlando?
What is the hourly rate difference between Melbourne and Orlando?
Should I relocate from Melbourne to Orlando as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Melbourne 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