Nursing Assistant Salary in Tampa, FL: $37,299 (2024)
Official 2024 BLS Data | $17.93/hour | $24,208 - $54,888 range
Median Annual Salary
$37,299
Hourly Rate
$17.93
/hour
Jobs in Area
1,572
employed
Compare to Other Cities
See All →Tampa, FL
$37,299
San Jose, CA
$51,145
in San Jose, CA
Nursing Assistant Salary Range in Tampa, FL
Annual Salary Range
$24k
10th percentile
$30k
25th
$46k
75th
$55k
90th percentile
Salary Breakdown by Percentile
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $24,208 | $11.64 |
| 25th Percentile | $30,164 | $14.50 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $37,299 | $17.93 |
| 75th Percentile | $45,879 | $22.06 |
| 90th Percentile (Top Earners) | $54,888 | $26.39 |
| Average (Mean) | $40,317 | $19.38 |
Nursing Assistant Market Insights for Tampa, FL
Compensation Overview
Nursing Assistant compensation in Tampa, FL aligns with regional expectations. The salary range from $24,208 to $54,888 provides a clear picture of earning potential at different career stages.
Local Market Context
Tampa, FL offers competitive compensation that aligns closely with national benchmarks. The Florida economy supports a diverse range of industries, providing stable employment opportunities across multiple sectors.
Career Outlook
The Nursing Assistant profession offers diverse career opportunities across industries. Professional development and continuous learning are key factors in advancing within this field. With a 127% salary range from entry-level to top earners, there is substantial room for financial growth as you advance in your career.
Tips for Increasing Your Salary
- •Develop specialized expertise to command higher compensation—top earners make 47% more than median salaries
- •Build a professional network through industry associations and local business groups
- •Pursue relevant certifications or advanced education to demonstrate expertise
-2%
vs National Avg
+6%
vs State Avg
127%
Salary Range
1,572
Jobs in Area
Career Path & Salary Progression
Typical Nursing Assistant salary growth in Tampa, FL based on experience level.
Entry Level
0-2 years10th percentile
$24,208
/year
Early Career
2-5 years25th percentile
$30,164
/year
Mid Career
5-10 years50th percentile
$37,299
/year
Senior
10-15 years75th percentile
$45,879
/year
Expert
15+ years90th percentile
$54,888
/year
Next Career Steps
Common career progressions from Nursing Assistant:
Note: Career progression and salary growth vary based on company size, industry, skills, and performance. These estimates use percentile data from the BLS as a general guide for typical career paths.
Nursing Assistant Job Market in Tampa, FL
Where Nursing Assistants Work
Nursing Assistants work across multiple industries including corporations, government agencies, healthcare organizations, and consulting firms. Each sector offers different compensation structures and career trajectories.
Local Employment Landscape
The Tampa, FL area maintains a healthy employment base for this occupation, with opportunities distributed across multiple employers. This provides job stability and career mobility without the intense competition found in major metros.
Types of Employers Hiring
Large Corporations
Typically offer comprehensive benefits, structured advancement, and competitive base salaries with bonus potential
Small to Medium Businesses
May provide more responsibility earlier in your career, flexible work arrangements, and equity opportunities
Government Agencies
Known for job security, excellent benefits packages, pension plans, and work-life balance
Professional Services Firms
Provide client exposure, rapid skill development, and often above-market compensation for top performers
Skills That Increase Earning Potential
Job Search Strategy for Tampa, FL
- •Research major employers in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area and follow them on LinkedIn for job alerts
- •Join local professional associations for networking and job leads specific to Florida
- •Tailor your salary expectations based on the Tampa, FL market rate of $37,299
- •Consider roles at varying experience levels—entry positions start at $24,208 in this market
Frequently Asked Questions
The median nursing assistant salary in Tampa, FL is $37,299 per year ($17.93/hour) as of 2026. This is based on official U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Salaries range from $24,208 for entry-level positions to $54,888 for experienced professionals in the top 10%.
Entry-level nursing assistants in Tampa, FL typically start at around $24,208 per year ($11.64/hour), representing the 10th percentile. New graduates and those with less than 2 years of experience fall into this range. With experience and skill development, salaries can progress to the median of $37,299 within 3-5 years.
Nursing Assistants in Tampa, FL earn a median hourly wage of $17.93 per hour. Hourly rates range from $11.64/hour at entry-level (10th percentile) to $26.39/hour for top earners (90th percentile). Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, this translates to annual salaries between $24,208 and $54,888.
The median nursing assistant salary of $37,299 in Tampa, FL is slightly below the national median of $38,200 (2.4% lower). The cost of living is also 3% below average. This salary places you at the 50th percentile, meaning half of nursing assistants in the area earn more and half earn less.
Nursing Assistants in Tampa, FL earn slightly below the national average. The local median salary of $37,299 is 2.4% lower than the national median of $38,200. The cost of living is also 3% below average. When adjusted for cost of living, the effective salary is approximately $38,255.
The top 10% of nursing assistants in Tampa, FL earn $54,888 or more per year ($26.39/hour). These top earners typically have 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, specialized expertise, or hold senior/management positions. The 75th percentile earns $45,879, which is a realistic goal for mid-career professionals.
Key skills that can boost nursing assistant salary in Tampa, FL include: Strong communication and interpersonal abilities, Problem-solving and critical thinking, Technical proficiency relevant to the field, Attention to detail and organizational skills. Professionals with these skills often earn above the median of $37,299, potentially reaching the 75th percentile ($45,879) or higher. Years of relevant experience
Tampa, FL has a moderate job market for nursing assistants, with approximately 1,572 professionals employed in the area. The median salary of $37,299 is slightly below the national average. The cost of living is also 3% below average. Job seekers should consider both salary and local industry demand when evaluating opportunities.
Compare your nursing assistant salary to these Tampa, FL benchmarks: 10th percentile (entry-level): $24,208, 25th percentile: $30,164, 50th percentile (median): $37,299, 75th percentile: $45,879, 90th percentile (top earners): $54,888. If you earn more than $37,299, you're above average for the area.
Beyond the $37,299 median base salary, nursing assistants in Tampa, FL typically receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement plans (401k with employer matching), paid time off (15-25 days), and potentially bonuses or profit-sharing. Total compensation including benefits typically adds 25-40% to base salary value.
Experienced nursing assistants with 5-10 years in Tampa, FL typically earn $45,879 (75th percentile) to $54,888 (90th percentile) per year. Senior professionals with 10+ years, certifications, or management roles can reach the top 10% at $54,888. Mid-career professionals (3-5 years) usually earn around the median of $37,299.
Nursing Assistants in Tampa, FL can see significant salary growth over their careers. Entry-level ($24,208) to median ($37,299) typically takes 3-5 years. Reaching the 90th percentile ($54,888) may take 10+ years and often requires specialized skills, certifications, or leadership experience. That's a potential growth of $30,680 over a career.
Data Source & Methodology
Official government statistics you can trust
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) Program
Visit Official BLS WebsiteData Year
2024
2 Years Old
Geographic Area
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater
Metropolitan Statistical Area
Occupation Code
31-1131
SOC Classification
Sample Size
1,572
Employees Surveyed
How This Data Is Collected
The OEWS program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations across all metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. Approximately 1.1 million establishments are surveyed over a three-year period, representing the most comprehensive wage data available for the U.S. labor market.
Note: Percentile wages represent actual reported wages and may differ from individual compensation packages that include benefits, bonuses, and equity.
Last updated: January 23, 2026
Salary Calculator
Nursing Assistant in Tampa, FL
Enter your salary above to see how you compare
Median: $37,299/yr
How Tampa, FL Compares
vs National Average
$38,200
vs Florida Average
$35,161
Cost-of-Living Adjusted
$38,255
Cost of living in Tampa, FL is 2.5% below the national average.
Nursing Assistant Salaries in Other Cities
Other Salaries in Tampa, FL
Explore More
Nursing Assistant Jobs in Tampa, FL
Find open positions and apply today.
View Jobs on IndeedAffiliate link