Jacksonville vs Lakeland: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Jacksonville, FL and Lakeland, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jacksonville, FL | Lakeland, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $138,426▲ | $130,057 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.55▲ | $62.53 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $112,026▲ | $104,453 |
| 25th Percentile | $128,330▲ | $111,716 |
| 75th Percentile | $140,351▲ | $134,713 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $167,755▲ | $159,892 |
| Total Employed | 2,310▲ | 570 |
Verdict
Jacksonville, FL offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lakeland.
The salary gap between Jacksonville and Lakeland is $8,369 (6.43%). 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 Jacksonville spans $55,729,Lakeland spans $55,439. Jacksonville 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 3.93% more than Lakeland ($133,885 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jacksonville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($138,426/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($167,755)
- ✓Larger job market (2,310 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $139,144)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Lakeland if…
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Jacksonville grew 36.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.2% growth in Lakeland over the same period.
Jacksonville, FL
$97,910 (2019) → $133,810 (2025)
Lakeland, FL
$104,600 (2019) → $125,720 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jacksonville, FL
Lakeland, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Jacksonville or Lakeland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jacksonville and Lakeland?
Should I relocate from Jacksonville to Lakeland as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Jacksonville vs Lakeland?
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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