Clearwater vs Orlando: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Clearwater, FL and Orlando, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Clearwater, FL | Orlando, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $40,172▲ | $40,140 |
| Hourly Rate | $19.31▲ | $19.30 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,620 | $37,041▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $34,007 | $38,340▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $46,488▲ | $41,460 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $52,042▲ | $49,363 |
| Total Employed | 19 | 12,000▲ |
Verdict
Clearwater, FL offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Orlando.
The salary gap between Clearwater and Orlando is $32 (0.08%). Clearwater's median is -10.74% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Clearwater spans $21,422,Orlando spans $12,322. Clearwater 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, Clearwater ($39,853 effective) pays 0.69% more than Orlando ($39,579 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Clearwater if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($40,172/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($52,042)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $39,853)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Orlando if…
- ✓Larger job market (12,000 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Clearwater grew 5.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 41.9% growth in Orlando over the same period.
Clearwater, FL
$35,871 (2024) → $37,720 (2025)
Orlando, FL
$26,560 (2019) → $37,690 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Clearwater, FL
Orlando, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Clearwater or Orlando?
What is the hourly rate difference between Clearwater and Orlando?
Should I relocate from Clearwater to Orlando as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Clearwater vs Orlando?
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Written by Emily Chen, BSN, RN
Career Analyst
Emily has over 10 years of experience in nursing. She focuses on workforce trends in nursing. Emily has worked in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.50% 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 Emily Chen, BSN, RN, a licensed certified nursing assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov