Florida Nurses Association (FNA): The Florida Nurses Association is a statewide professional organization that advocates for the nursing profession and works to enhance the practice environment for all nurses, including BSN-prepared RNs. It provides networking opportunities, continuing education, professional development and advocacy for nurses in Florida.
Bachelor’s Degrees in Nursing
By: All Nursing Schools Staff
What salary can a BSN nurse in Florida earn?
If you’re looking for a state to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or practice as a BSN-prepared nurse, you couldn’t ask for a more promising destination than Florida.
Florida is home to numerous prestigious healthcare institutions like the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Tampa General Hospital and the Cleveland Clinic Florida. Several well-known universities in Florida offer accredited BSN programs, such as the University of Florida, Florida State University and the University of Miami, providing diverse and flexible online, in-person and hybrid learning options.
Other reasons to consider Florida include:
In this Article
Quick view | Salary statistics | Factors affecting salaries in Florida | Earning a BSN | What’s next? | Cost of living considerations | Nurse resources in Florida
Snapshot of BSN nurses in Florida
Florida has roughly 207,910 people employed as RNs says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which amounts to almost 22 people working as RNs for every 1,000 people that live in the state. This number could also include ADN-prepared RNs besides BSN-prepared RNs. The median wage per hour is $40, below the national average of $45. However, the BLS reported that Florida has the third highest employment of RNs in the country and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 4.9%.
Hospitals, assisted living facilities, home health agencies and long-term care facilities in Florida are in constant need of BSN-educated geriatric and gerontology nurses to meet the demands of aging patients with chronic illnesses and age-related conditions. Many Florida healthcare institutions (like Magnet hospitals*) prefer or require nurses with a BSN for roles in management, leadership and specialized care.
*A Magnet hospital is a healthcare facility recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) for excellence in nursing practice, patient care and staff satisfaction. Magnet status signifies a commitment to high standards of care, professional development and strong nurse leadership.
These five Florida healthcare employers are just a fraction of potential workplaces for nurses, from bedside care, specialty nursing to leadership and education roles:
- Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville:
- Recognized as the #1 hospital in Florida by U.S. News & World Report, Mayo Clinic is known for its high standards of patient care and medical research. BSN-prepared nurses work in critical care, oncology and surgical services. They apply evidence-based practice, engage in patient education and lead quality improvement initiatives.
- Tampa General Hospital, Tampa:
- A large academic medical center and Magnet-designated hospital providing advanced medical care and specializing in trauma, transplant and cardiac care. BSN nurses serve as nurse educators, case managers and clinical leaders. They use advanced clinical skills, participate in research and lead interdisciplinary teams to improve patient care and outcomes.
- AdventHealth Orlando, Orlando:
- Part of the AdventHealth system, this hospital is known for its extensive range of specialized services, including cardiovascular, cancer and neurological care. BSN nurses are employed in cardiovascular, neuroscience and transplant units. They use their skills in patient assessment, care coordination and leadership to support patient-centered care.
- Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Sarasota:
- A publicly owned, Magnet-designated healthcare system offering comprehensive medical and surgical services, including emergency care and intensive care units. BSN nurses play key roles in emergency, surgical and intensive care units. They engage in direct patient care, participate in quality improvement projects, and act as preceptors and mentors for new nurses.
- Baptist Health South Florida, Miami:
- A not-for-profit healthcare organization that operates several hospitals, including Baptist Hospital and South Miami Hospital, offering services such as oncology, maternity and cardiovascular care. BSN-prepared nurses apply advanced skills in patient advocacy, complex clinical decision-making and care coordination. They also take on leadership roles and contribute to interdisciplinary teams focused on improving patient outcomes.
BSN nurse salary stats
The median annual salary for registered nurses with a BSN in Florida is below the national median of $93,600, however the cost of living in Florida is a little higher. Too, salaries may vary based on other factors such as experience, education and employer no matter where you live in the state. Here are salaries for the state by median and percentile, as well as median salaries for top metro areas:
Registered Nurses
10%$66,670
25%$77,070
50%$82,850Median
75%$99,260
90%$110,530
Median Hourly Wage$40
Job growth4.9%
Total Employment218,100
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL | $86,090 | $66,960 | $106,230 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | $85,610 | $68,040 | $127,240 |
| Naples-Marco Island, FL | $85,140 | $69,900 | $142,960 |
| Gainesville, FL | $84,710 | $72,740 | $109,200 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | $84,290 | $67,960 | $114,960 |
| North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL | $82,850 | $65,550 | $103,640 |
| Sebring, FL | $82,690 | $67,990 | $101,860 |
| Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL | $82,140 | $68,420 | $119,220 |
| Wildwood-The Villages, FL | $81,440 | $63,130 | $121,120 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | $81,430 | $65,980 | $107,810 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2034. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Salary ranges for BSN RNs in Florida
The BLS reports that the salary range for BSN RNs in Florida typically spans from $66,670 for the lowest 10% of RNs to $110,530 for the top 10% of RNs per year. This salary range includes entry-level positions as well as senior-level roles, such as nurse educators and clinical nurse specialists, and takes into account whether a nurse has earned a specialty credential.
These figures are medians, and actual salaries may be influenced by factors such as years of experience, specialty areas, certifications and the type of healthcare facility. BSN-prepared nurses often have opportunities for higher salaries compared to those with an ADN, especially when pursuing advanced roles or specialties within the nursing field.
Employment and pay by Florida metro area
The salary for BSN-prepared registered nurses in Florida varies by metropolitan area. The following figures highlight the top-paying metro areas for BSN RNs in Florida, with North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton and Sebastian-Vero Beach leading in terms of median annual wages and comparison to the local median income. Here is what the BLS reported as some of the highest-paying metro areas for BSN RNs in the state:
North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton
- Median annual wage: $80,670
- Comparison to metro median income: Nurses earn approximately $41,200 more than the area’s median income.
Sebastian-Vero Beach
- Median annual wage: $79,190
- Comparison to metro median income: Nurses earn about $41,280 more than the median income in this metro.
Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island
- Median annual wage: $79,820
- Comparison to metro median income: Nurses earn roughly $39,900 more than the area’s median income.
Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach
- Median annual wage: $79,870
- Comparison to metro median income: Nurses earn approximately $36,160 more than the median income in this region.
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater
- Median annual wage: $78,830
- Comparison to metro median income: Nurses earn about $35,550 more than the area’s median income.
Jacksonville
- Median annual wage: $78,420
- Comparison to metro median income: Nurses earn around $36,820 more than the median income in this metro.
Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford
- Median annual wage: $76,970
- Comparison to metro median income: Nurses earn approximately $37,940 more than the area’s median income.
Cape Coral-Fort Myers
- Median annual wage: $77,920
- Comparison to metro median income: Nurses earn about $39,030 more than the median income in this region.
Here is highest level of employment data from the BLS for RNs by metro area. As you can see, the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach metro area ranks eighth on the BLS’ list:
Salary growth and job outlook
While the BLS anticipates a 4.9% job growth rate nationally through 2034 for RNs, The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity projects a significant increase in demand for registered nurses, with an expected growth rate of around 16% through 2030. This growth is driven primarily by Florida’s aging population, as the state has one of the highest concentrations of elderly residents in the U.S. The increasing need for healthcare services in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and home health agencies continues to fuel the demand for BSN-educated nurses, who are often preferred for leadership, clinical and specialized nursing roles.
Additionally, hospitals and healthcare systems in Florida are increasingly striving for Magnet status, which prioritizes the hiring of BSN-prepared nurses. This trend further boosts job opportunities for BSN RNs in leadership, education and specialized care positions. The shift towards value-based healthcare and a focus on improved patient outcomes also makes BSN-educated nurses essential in implementing evidence-based practices and quality improvement initiatives. As healthcare organizations seek to meet these new demands, BSN nurses may be well-positioned to secure high-paying and advancement-friendly roles throughout the state.
Factors affecting BSN RN salaries in Florida
Several factors can influence the salary of a BSN-prepared Registered Nurse (RN) in Florida:
- Location:
- Salaries for BSN RNs vary significantly depending on the region. Urban areas with higher costs of living, like Miami, Orlando and Tampa, tend to offer higher wages compared to rural areas. Metro regions also tend to have a larger concentration of specialized healthcare facilities, which can lead to higher-paying job opportunities.
- Healthcare facility type:
- Hospitals, especially Magnet hospitals, typically offer higher salaries and more benefits than other healthcare settings like nursing homes or outpatient clinics. Facilities with a focus on specialized care, such as trauma centers, oncology or cardiovascular hospitals, may also pay more for nurses with expertise in those areas.
- Experience and seniority:
- More experienced nurses generally earn higher salaries. As BSN RNs gain years of experience and expand their clinical expertise, they may take on higher-level roles such as nurse manager or clinical coordinator, which come with increased pay. Additionally, nurses with specialized skills or certifications are often compensated more.
- Shift and work hours:
- The type of shifts worked can influence salary. Nurses who work night shifts, weekends or holidays often receive additional shift differentials, which can significantly increase their earnings. Full-time positions with flexible scheduling may offer higher pay to attract skilled professionals.
- Certifications and specialization:
- Holding additional certifications, such as in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) or Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR), may result in higher wages. Specialized nursing roles that require advanced knowledge, like nurse practitioners or nurse educators, generally come with higher salaries.
- Union membership:
- Unionized hospitals and healthcare systems may offer higher wages and better benefits due to collective bargaining agreements. Unionized nurses often receive improved compensation packages compared to non-unionized nurses in the same region.
- Public vs. private sector:
- Public versus private sector employers can also impact salary. Private healthcare facilities may offer higher wages, but public employers (such as state hospitals) may provide better job stability and benefits, which can be an important factor in overall compensation.
BSN education requirements in Florida
To become a BSN-prepared nurse and work as a registered nurse (RN) in Florida, you must meet certain educational, licensing and credentialing requirements. Here are the basic BSN education requirements in Florida:
High school diploma or GED
- Must have completed high school or equivalent to begin nursing education.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or equivalent RN licensure
- You must already be a Registered Nurse (RN) with a valid license in Florida before pursuing a BSN.
Accredited BSN program
- Enroll in a BSN program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
General education courses
- Complete required general education courses including English, math, psychology and biology as part of the BSN program.
Complete core nursing courses
- Complete core nursing courses, such as pathophysiology, pharmacology, nursing research, leadership and public health nursing.
Clinical practice rotations
- Complete clinical rotations in healthcare settings under the supervision of licensed professionals to gain hands-on experience.
Earn state licensure
- If you are entering the program after obtaining an ADN, you must maintain your RN licensure in Florida throughout the program.
Graduation and degree conferral
- Successfully graduate and earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from the accredited institution.
Where do I go after earning a BSN?
If you already hold a BSN and are looking to advance your nursing career, there are several potential paths you can take. These paths often require further education, certification and experience, but they open up higher-paying, specialized and leadership-oriented roles. Here’s a breakdown of possible next steps:
- Earn an MSN: Opens doors to roles as an Nurse Practitioner (NP), Nurse Educator or Nurse Leader.
- Get certified: Pass certification exams for specific roles like NP, CNS, CRNA or Nurse Executive.
- Consider earning a DNP: A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) provides a terminal degree option for those seeking leadership, nurse practitioner or high-impact roles.
Explore non-traditional or emerging roles
Possible titles:
- Nurse informaticist
- Nurse researcher
- Healthcare consultant
- Public health nurse
These roles may give you a chance to work in tech, policy or research, often with the potential to impact health systems, community or population health. Most of these roles require an MSN in a relevant field, such as nurse informatics or public health. Experience in technology, research or public health can also be useful. Jobs in informatics and consulting often have higher salaries and offer opportunities for remote work or hybrid roles.
Cost of living considerations in Florida
The cost of living in Florida can vary significantly depending on the region, but in general, it is close to the national average, with some areas being more affordable and others more expensive. The state’s overall cost of living is around 3% higher than the national average, but it can be much higher or lower depending on the specific city or county.
Cost of living in Florida vs. national average:
- National average: The U.S. national average cost of living index is 100.
- Florida average: The cost of living in Florida is around 103, indicating it’s slightly more expensive than the national average.
| Higher-cost areas | Cost of living |
|---|---|
| Miami | 10%–20% above national average. Miami is one of the most expensive cities in Florida due to its status as a global hub for finance, tourism and international business. |
| Orlando | 10-20% above national average. While Orlando is often more affordable than Miami, it has been rising in cost due to its popularity as a tourist and business center, especially near theme parks and downtown areas. |
| Tampa | 10%–20% above national average. Tampa’s growing economy and coastal location make it a more expensive place to live, particularly in desirable areas like South Tampa and near the beaches. |
| Lower-cost areas | Cost of living |
|---|---|
| Jacksonville | 5-10% below national average. Jacksonville offers a more affordable lifestyle compared to other metro areas in Florida, with relatively low housing costs and no state income tax. |
| Pensacola | 10%–15% below national average. Pensacola, located on the Gulf Coast, is generally more affordable, with lower housing costs and a quieter lifestyle compared to larger Florida cities. |
| Fort Myers | 5%–10% below national average. Fort Myers has a lower cost of living, particularly in terms of housing and utilities, making it an attractive option for retirees and families seeking affordability. |
Professional groups for Florida BSN nurses
The following groups offer support, advocacy and resources for nurses, including BSN-prepared professionals, aiming to enhance their careers and the overall nursing practice in Florida:
Florida Organization for Nurse Leadership (FONL): FONL is an organization focused on nurse leadership, particularly for those in advanced and executive roles. While not exclusive to BSN nurses, it provides valuable resources for nurses with BSN degrees who are interested in leadership and management positions. Members receive professional development, leadership training and policy advocacy.
This guide to salaries for BSN-prepared RNs in Florida is designed to give you a thorough overview of what to expect pay-wise in this important healthcare field. Consider it your starting point for making smart career choices, negotiating your salary and setting achievable goals for your education and professional journey.