Orlando vs Palm Bay: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Orlando, FL and Palm Bay, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Orlando, FL | Palm Bay, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $225,854 | $226,662▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $108.59 | $108.98▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $174,337▲ | $153,256 |
| 25th Percentile | $177,357 | $200,057▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $464,353▲ | $279,014 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $464,353▲ | $320,310 |
| Total Employed | 770▲ | 29 |
Verdict
Orlando and Palm Bay are closely matched on overall nurse anesthetist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Orlando and Palm Bay is $808 (0.36%). Palm Bay's median is -8.93% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Orlando spans $290,016,Palm Bay spans $167,054. Orlando 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, Palm Bay ($224,863 effective) pays 0.97% 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 Orlando if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($464,353)
- ✓Larger job market (770 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Palm Bay if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($226,662/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $224,863)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Orlando grew 27.4% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -0.9% growth in Palm Bay over the same period.
Orlando, FL
$168,470 (2021) → $214,690 (2025)
Palm Bay, FL
$217,495 (2024) → $215,458 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Orlando, FL
Palm Bay, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Orlando or Palm Bay?
What is the hourly rate difference between Orlando and Palm Bay?
Should I relocate from Orlando to Palm Bay as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Orlando vs Palm Bay?
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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