Fort Lauderdale vs Jacksonville: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Fort Lauderdale, FL and Jacksonville, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Lauderdale, FL | Jacksonville, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $240,520 | $437,632▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $115.64 | $210.40▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $159,548▲ | $141,631 |
| 25th Percentile | $209,956▲ | $205,129 |
| 75th Percentile | $307,866 | $437,632▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $351,473 | $437,632▲ |
| Total Employed | 29 | 340▲ |
Verdict
Jacksonville, FL offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Lauderdale.
The salary gap between Fort Lauderdale and Jacksonville is $197,112 (81.95%). Jacksonville's median is +75.83% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Lauderdale spans $191,925,Jacksonville spans $296,001. Jacksonville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse anesthetists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Jacksonville ($439,902 effective) pays 84.36% more than Fort Lauderdale ($238,611 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Lauderdale if…
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Jacksonville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($437,632/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($437,632)
- ✓Larger job market (340 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $439,902)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Fort Lauderdale grew 6.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 169.3% growth in Jacksonville over the same period.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
$215,709 (2024) → $228,631 (2025)
Jacksonville, FL
$154,450 (2019) → $416,000 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Jacksonville, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Fort Lauderdale or Jacksonville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Lauderdale and Jacksonville?
Should I relocate from Fort Lauderdale to Jacksonville as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Fort Lauderdale vs Jacksonville?
Related Comparisons
Written by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA
Career Analyst
Alexandra Johnson has 10 years of experience as a nurse anesthetist. She specializes in anesthesia for orthopedic surgeries. She works in a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.20% 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 Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA, a licensed nurse anesthetist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov