What the numbers say
About 35,050 Registered Nurses work in the Tampa metro, making it one of the larger nursing labor markets in Florida. The median annual wage in 2024 was $84,290, which sits just above the Florida median of $82,850 but roughly 11% below the national figure of $94,511.
That gap from the US median is worth noting. Florida as a whole pays nurses less than the national average, and Tampa tracks closely with the state. Nurses considering relocation from higher-paying states should factor that difference in before making a move.
The spread across pay levels is fairly wide. At the 10th percentile, Tampa nurses earned $67,960. At the 90th, they earned $114,960, which is about 69% more. The mean of $90,260 runs above the median, which means a smaller group of higher-paid nurses, likely those in specialized units or with supervisory roles, pulls the average up. Most Tampa nurses cluster closer to the $78,000 to $100,000 range between the 25th and 75th percentiles.
Salary distribution
Where Tampa registered nurses fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $79,250 and $102,180, with a median of $85,470.
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 Tampa metro compares to other major Florida metro areas for registered nurses.
- Miami$91,380
- Orlando$83,550
- Jacksonville$83,520
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Registered Nurses in Tampa, Florida?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Registered Nurses in the Tampa metropolitan area is $85,470.
- Does Tampa pay more than the Florida state average for Registered Nurses?
- The Tampa metro median is +1.5% versus the Florida state median of $84,190.
- How does Tampa compare to the national median for Registered Nurses?
- The Tampa metro median is -13.1% versus the BLS national figure of $98,331.
- What is the salary range for Registered Nurses in Tampa?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $73,290 and the 90th-percentile at $124,470 for the Tampa 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 Tampa 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.