Key West vs Tampa: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Key West, FL and Tampa, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Key West, FL | Tampa, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $128,016 | $132,540▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $61.54 | $63.73▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,090 | $102,819▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $113,869▲ | $112,761 |
| 75th Percentile | $149,498▲ | $139,864 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $158,534 | $164,185▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 4,180▲ |
Verdict
Tampa, FL offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Key West.
The salary gap between Key West and Tampa is $4,524 (3.53%). Tampa's median is -3.16% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Key West spans $59,444,Tampa spans $61,366. Tampa has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Tampa ($131,371 effective) pays 3.44% more than Key West ($127,000 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Key West if…
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($132,540/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($164,185)
- ✓Larger job market (4,180 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $131,371)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Key West grew 6.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.7% growth in Tampa over the same period.
Key West, FL
$116,205 (2024) → $123,747 (2025)
Tampa, FL
$98,050 (2019) → $128,120 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Key West, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Key West or Tampa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Key West and Tampa?
Should I relocate from Key West to Tampa as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Key West vs Tampa?
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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