Tampa vs Jacksonville: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Tampa, FL and Jacksonville, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Tampa, FL | Jacksonville, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $132,540 | $138,426▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $63.73 | $66.55▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,819 | $112,026▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $112,761 | $128,330▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $139,864 | $140,351▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $164,185 | $167,755▲ |
| Total Employed | 4,180▲ | 2,310 |
Verdict
Jacksonville, FL offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tampa.
The salary gap between Tampa and Jacksonville is $5,886 (4.44%). Jacksonville's median is +1.14% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Tampa spans $61,366,Jacksonville spans $55,729. Tampa 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, Jacksonville ($139,144 effective) pays 5.92% more than Tampa ($131,371 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Larger job market (4,180 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Jacksonville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($138,426/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($167,755)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $139,144)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Tampa grew 30.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 36.7% growth in Jacksonville over the same period.
Tampa, FL
$98,050 (2019) → $128,120 (2025)
Jacksonville, FL
$97,910 (2019) → $133,810 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jacksonville, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Tampa or Jacksonville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Tampa and Jacksonville?
Should I relocate from Tampa to Jacksonville as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Tampa vs Jacksonville?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov