What the numbers say
With 28,020 Registered Nurses employed in the Orlando metro, this is one of the larger nursing markets in Florida. The 2024 median annual wage came in at $81,430, which sits just below the Florida median of $82,850 and about 14% below the national median of $94,511.
That national gap is worth pausing on. Florida as a whole already pays below the US figure, and Orlando tracks close to the state average rather than pulling above it. A nurse moving from a Midwest or Northeast market to Orlando should expect to give up roughly $13,000 in median pay, before factoring in any differences in living costs.
The spread across earners tells a more varied story. At the 10th percentile, wages start at $65,980. By the 90th percentile they reach $107,810. That range of about $42,000 reflects real differences in specialty, setting, and experience within the metro. A new graduate entering a general med-surg floor and a senior CRNA working in a surgical center are both counted in these numbers.
The mean wage of $86,460 runs about $5,000 above the median. That gap is modest compared to high-earning metros, which suggests the top of Orlando's nursing pay scale is solid but not unusually high relative to the broader workforce here.
Salary distribution
Where Orlando registered nurses fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $78,410 and $100,240, with a median of $83,550.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.6 / 5
Psychology
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge
- 4.2 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Deductive Reasoning
Ability
- 4.1 / 5
Social Perceptiveness
Technical
- 4.1 / 5
Problem Sensitivity
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Speaking
Basic skill
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Record patients' medical information and vital signs.
- 02
Administer medications to patients and monitor patients for reactions or side effects.
- 03
Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records.
- 04
Monitor, record, and report symptoms or changes in patients' conditions.
- 05
Provide health care, first aid, immunizations, or assistance in convalescence or rehabilitation in locations such as schools, hospitals, or industry.
- 06
Consult and coordinate with healthcare team members to assess, plan, implement, or evaluate patient care plans.
- 07
Direct or supervise less-skilled nursing or healthcare personnel or supervise a particular unit.
- 08
Monitor all aspects of patient care, including diet and physical activity.
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How the Orlando metro compares to other major Florida metro areas for registered nurses.
- Miami$91,380
- Tampa$85,470
- Jacksonville$83,520
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Registered Nurses in Orlando, Florida?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Registered Nurses in the Orlando metropolitan area is $83,550.
- Does Orlando pay more than the Florida state average for Registered Nurses?
- The Orlando metro median is -0.8% versus the Florida state median of $84,190.
- How does Orlando compare to the national median for Registered Nurses?
- The Orlando metro median is -15.0% versus the BLS national figure of $98,331.
- What is the salary range for Registered Nurses in Orlando?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $68,890 and the 90th-percentile at $116,210 for the Orlando metro area.
- What education is required for Registered Nurses?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Orlando CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.