Orlando vs Panama City: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Orlando, FL and Panama City, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Orlando, FL | Panama City, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,509▲ | $59,319 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.01▲ | $28.52 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,797▲ | $51,201 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,270▲ | $54,066 |
| 75th Percentile | $66,919▲ | $63,959 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,419▲ | $70,840 |
| Total Employed | 4,430▲ | 400 |
Verdict
Orlando, FL offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Panama City.
The salary gap between Orlando and Panama City is $5,190 (8.75%). Orlando's median is -5.23% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Orlando spans $25,622,Panama City spans $19,639. Orlando 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, Orlando ($63,607 effective) pays 4.33% more than Panama City ($60,968 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Orlando if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,509/year)
- ✓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
Choose Panama City if…
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Orlando grew 34.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 48.2% growth in Panama City over the same period.
Orlando, FL
$45,320 (2019) → $61,030 (2025)
Panama City, FL
$37,860 (2019) → $56,120 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Orlando, FL
Panama City, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Orlando or Panama City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Orlando and Panama City?
Should I relocate from Orlando to Panama City as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Orlando vs Panama City?
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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