Orlando vs Port St. Lucie: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Orlando, FL and Port St. Lucie, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Orlando, FL | Port St. Lucie, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,509 | $64,794▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.01 | $31.15▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,797 | $52,808▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $60,270 | $62,152▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $66,919 | $68,335▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,419 | $79,434▲ |
| Total Employed | 4,430▲ | 830 |
Verdict
Port St. Lucie, FL offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Orlando.
The salary gap between Orlando and Port St. Lucie is $285 (0.44%). Port St. Lucie's median is -4.81% 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,Port St. Lucie spans $26,626. Port St. Lucie 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, Port St. Lucie ($64,647 effective) pays 1.63% 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 Orlando if…
- ✓Larger job market (4,430 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Port St. Lucie if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,794/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($79,434)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,647)
- ✓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 26.2% growth in Port St. Lucie over the same period.
Orlando, FL
$45,320 (2019) → $61,030 (2025)
Port St. Lucie, FL
$48,570 (2019) → $61,300 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Orlando, FL
Port St. Lucie, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Orlando or Port St. Lucie?
What is the hourly rate difference between Orlando and Port St. Lucie?
Should I relocate from Orlando to Port St. Lucie as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Orlando vs Port St. Lucie?
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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