Last Updated: June 2026
Jacksonville RN Salary 2026: Mayo Clinic FL, UF Health & Baptist Pay
Quick Answer
Jacksonville RNs earn around $82,000–$89,000/year in 2026 — above the Florida state average of $75,990 (BLS OEWS May 2024). Mayo Clinic Florida leads the market with experienced RNs reaching $100,000+. No state income tax boosts effective take-home by $5,000–$8,000/year versus higher-tax states.
Jacksonville is northeast Florida's healthcare hub, anchored by Mayo Clinic Florida — one of the nation's premier academic medical systems — alongside UF Health Jacksonville (the region's only Level I trauma center), Baptist Health, and Ascension St. Vincent. Low cost of living relative to Miami or Tampa and strong hospital competition make Jacksonville a financially compelling market for experienced nurses.
Jacksonville RN Salary by Experience Level (2026)
Jacksonville RN Salary by Years of Experience
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| New Grad (0–1 yr) | Around $65,000–$74,000/yr | ~$31–$36/hr |
| Early Career (2–4 yrs) | Around $73,000–$84,000/yr | ~$35–$40/hr |
| Mid-Career (5–9 yrs) | Around $80,000–$92,000/yr | ~$38–$44/hr |
| Senior (10–19 yrs) | Around $87,000–$99,000/yr | ~$42–$48/hr |
| Veteran (20+ yrs) | Around $93,000–$106,000/yr | ~$45–$51/hr |
Source: Derived from BLS OEWS May 2024 Florida statewide data + Jacksonville metro adjustment. Figures rounded to nearest $500.
Jacksonville Hospital RN Pay Breakdown (2026)
Jacksonville Hospital RN Base Salary by System
| Hospital / System | Base Salary Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mayo Clinic Florida | Around $88,000–$105,000/yr | National brand premium; strong benefits + retirement match |
| UF Health Jacksonville | Around $82,000–$96,000/yr | Level I trauma center; academic pay scale |
| Baptist Health (Jax) | Around $80,000–$93,000/yr | Largest local system; Magnet-seeking |
| Ascension St. Vincent | Around $78,000–$91,000/yr | Faith-based; competitive PTO and tuition benefits |
| HCA (Memorial, Orange Park) | Around $77,000–$90,000/yr | Multiple facilities; travel supplement options |
Source: Estimated from BLS OEWS Jacksonville metro data, job posting analysis, and nurse-reported figures. Ranges reflect median-experienced RNs (3–10 yrs). Rounded to nearest $1,000.
Jacksonville RN Salary by Specialty (2026)
Jacksonville RN Salary by Specialty
| Specialty | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| CRNA | Around $195,000–$225,000/yr | ~$94–$108/hr |
| ICU / Critical Care RN | Around $90,000–$104,000/yr | ~$43–$50/hr |
| ER / Emergency RN | Around $87,000–$101,000/yr | ~$42–$49/hr |
| OR / Perioperative RN | Around $86,000–$100,000/yr | ~$41–$48/hr |
| L&D / OB RN | Around $84,000–$98,000/yr | ~$40–$47/hr |
| Med-Surg / Tele | Around $75,000–$88,000/yr | ~$36–$42/hr |
Source: Derived from BLS OEWS specialty differentials + Jacksonville metro premium. Rounded to nearest $500. CRNA figures from AANA and published job postings.
How Jacksonville Compares to Florida Cities
RN Salary: Jacksonville vs. Florida Cities (2026 Est.)
| Metro Area | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville | Around $82,000–$89,000/yr | ~$39–$43/hr |
| Miami–Fort Lauderdale | Around $90,000–$97,000/yr | ~$43–$47/hr |
| Tampa–St. Petersburg | Around $86,000–$93,000/yr | ~$41–$45/hr |
| Orlando–Kissimmee | Around $82,000–$89,000/yr | ~$39–$43/hr |
| Tallahassee | Around $76,000–$82,000/yr | ~$36–$39/hr |
| Florida Statewide Mean (BLS May 2024) | $75,990/yr | $36.53/hr |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024 Florida statewide mean ($75,990) with metro-level adjustments. All figures estimated and rounded to nearest $500.
Negotiation Tips for Jacksonville Nurses
- Mayo Clinic is the leverage point. Having a Mayo offer letter strengthens negotiating position at any other Jacksonville system. Baptist and Ascension have responded to written Mayo comparisons.
- UF Health trauma differential. Level I trauma experience commands a pay premium. Nurses with TNCC certification should call this out explicitly in ICU and ER salary conversations.
- Sign-on bonuses in critical care. ICU, ER, and OR nurses at UF Health and Baptist have seen $8,000–$15,000 sign-on offers during high-demand periods. Ask the recruiter directly — not always posted publicly.
For a full negotiation playbook, see the Nurse Salary Negotiation Guide.
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average RN salary in Jacksonville FL in 2026?
Does Mayo Clinic Florida pay nurses more than Baptist Health?
Is Jacksonville good for travel nurses?
What do Jacksonville new grad nurses earn?
Does Jacksonville have night shift differentials for nurses?
How does Jacksonville compare to Orlando for nurse pay?
Sources
Methodology
Jacksonville-area salary figures are derived from BLS OEWS May 2024 Florida statewide RN mean ($75,990/yr) with Jacksonville metro adjustment based on BLS metro-level wage data. Hospital-specific ranges reflect publicly posted salary bands and nurse-reported figures from 2024–2025 job postings. All figures are estimates — verify current rates directly with each employer.
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