Melbourne vs Tampa: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Melbourne, FL and Tampa, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Melbourne, FL | Tampa, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $127,926 | $132,540▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $61.50 | $63.73▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,063 | $102,819▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $113,187▲ | $112,761 |
| 75th Percentile | $150,003▲ | $139,864 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $165,185▲ | $164,185 |
| Total Employed | 12 | 4,180▲ |
Verdict
Tampa, FL offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Melbourne.
The salary gap between Melbourne and Tampa is $4,614 (3.61%). 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 Melbourne spans $67,122,Tampa spans $61,366. Melbourne 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, Tampa ($131,371 effective) pays 3.51% more than Melbourne ($126,911 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Melbourne if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($165,185)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($132,540/year)
- ✓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 Melbourne grew 3.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.7% growth in Tampa over the same period.
Melbourne, FL
$119,451 (2024) → $123,660 (2025)
Tampa, FL
$98,050 (2019) → $128,120 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Melbourne, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Melbourne or Tampa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Melbourne and Tampa?
Should I relocate from Melbourne to Tampa as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Melbourne 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