Lakeland vs Orlando: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Lakeland, FL and Orlando, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lakeland, FL | Orlando, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $230,440▲ | $225,854 |
| Hourly Rate | $110.79▲ | $108.59 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $142,798 | $174,337▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $194,235▲ | $177,357 |
| 75th Percentile | $288,288 | $464,353▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $348,363 | $464,353▲ |
| Total Employed | 26 | 770▲ |
Verdict
Lakeland and Orlando are closely matched on overall nurse anesthetist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Lakeland and Orlando is $4,586 (2.03%). Lakeland's median is -7.41% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lakeland spans $205,565,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, Lakeland ($228,611 effective) pays 2.66% 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 Lakeland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($230,440/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $228,611)
- ✓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 Lakeland grew 42.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.4% growth in Orlando over the same period.
Lakeland, FL
$153,280 (2019) → $219,049 (2025)
Orlando, FL
$168,470 (2021) → $214,690 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lakeland, FL
Orlando, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Lakeland or Orlando?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lakeland and Orlando?
Should I relocate from Lakeland to Orlando as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Lakeland 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