Miami vs West Palm Beach: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Miami, FL and West Palm Beach, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Miami, FL | West Palm Beach, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,179 | $67,669▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.82 | $32.53▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,038▲ | $51,151 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,018▲ | $60,866 |
| 75th Percentile | $69,857 | $81,350▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,106 | $89,777▲ |
| Total Employed | 8,900▲ | 29 |
Verdict
West Palm Beach, FL offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Miami.
The salary gap between Miami and West Palm Beach is $1,490 (2.25%). West Palm Beach's median is -0.59% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Miami spans $24,068,West Palm Beach spans $38,626. West Palm Beach 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, West Palm Beach ($67,132 effective) pays 15.80% more than Miami ($57,973 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Miami if…
- ✓Larger job market (8,900 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose West Palm Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,669/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($89,777)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,132)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Miami grew 31.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.8% growth in West Palm Beach over the same period.
Miami, FL
$47,600 (2019) → $62,610 (2025)
West Palm Beach, FL
$57,255 (2024) → $64,020 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
West Palm Beach, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Miami or West Palm Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Miami and West Palm Beach?
Should I relocate from Miami to West Palm Beach as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Miami vs West Palm Beach?
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