Fort Lauderdale vs Orlando: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Fort Lauderdale, FL and Orlando, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Lauderdale, FL | Orlando, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $240,520▲ | $225,854 |
| Hourly Rate | $115.64▲ | $108.59 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $159,548 | $174,337▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $209,956▲ | $177,357 |
| 75th Percentile | $307,866 | $464,353▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $351,473 | $464,353▲ |
| Total Employed | 29 | 770▲ |
Verdict
Fort Lauderdale and Orlando are closely matched on overall nurse anesthetist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Fort Lauderdale and Orlando is $14,666 (6.49%). Fort Lauderdale's median is -3.36% 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,Orlando spans $290,016. Orlando 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, Fort Lauderdale ($238,611 effective) pays 7.15% more than Orlando ($222,696 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Lauderdale if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($240,520/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $238,611)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Orlando if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($464,353)
- ✓Larger job market (770 employed)
- ✓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 27.4% growth in Orlando over the same period.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
$215,709 (2024) → $228,631 (2025)
Orlando, FL
$168,470 (2021) → $214,690 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Orlando, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Fort Lauderdale or Orlando?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Lauderdale and Orlando?
Should I relocate from Fort Lauderdale to Orlando as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Fort Lauderdale vs Orlando?
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