---
title: Job Outlook for Nurses in Fort Lauderdale
url: "https://arizonacollege.edu/fort-lauderdale-nursing-school/job-outlook-for-nurses-in-fort-lauderdale/"
type: campus-location
date_published: 2025-10-08
date_modified: 2025-12-16
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language: en-US
word_count: 2539
reading_time: 13 min
canonical: "https://arizonacollege.edu/fort-lauderdale-nursing-school/job-outlook-for-nurses-in-fort-lauderdale/"
---

# Job Outlook for Nurses in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale

![](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/themes/arizona-college/assets/svg/hero-bars.svg)

# Job Outlook for Nurses in Fort Lauderdale

Nursing remains a cornerstone of healthcare, with demand for skilled
professionals nationwide and the Fort Lauderdale area is no exception. The field
encompasses various roles, from licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and vocational
nurses (LVNs) to registered nurses (RNs), each contributing to patient care.
Understanding the job outlook for nurses is essential, as it highlights the
growing need for these roles and the stability they offer in today’s healthcare
environment.

The Job Outlook for Nurses in Florida contains information compiled from U.S.
Bureau of Labor Statistics and various other data sources to provide you with
solid understanding of the job outlook, RN salary, and nursing opportunities in
the Fort Lauderdale metro area. Information in this overview will primarily
focus on exploring the opportunities and professional landscape for those
pursuing an RN career with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

## What is an RN or Registered Nurse?

A registered nurse (RN) is a licensed healthcare professional responsible for a
variety of patient care tasks. These include educating patients and families
about health conditions, identifying and addressing potential medical issues,
administering medications, and advocating for patient well-being. RNs also
design, implement, and assess nursing care plans, making them essential in
ensuring coordinated and effective patient care.

## How do you become a nurse in Fort Lauderdale?

In Florida, there are several pathways to enter the nursing profession,
depending on the type of nurse. For example, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs)
can start their careers after completing a state-approved training program and
passing a competency exam. Those aiming to become Licensed Practical Nurses
(LPNs), need to complete a practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN exam.

To become a registered nurse in Fort Lauderdale, you’ll need to complete a 
[nursing degree program](https://arizonacollege.edu/fort-lauderdale-nursing-school/)
. Among program choices, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is one
of the most popular, providing graduates with a foundation in nursing education,
a broad choice in specialties, and increased job growth potential. After earning
a degree, graduates must take the 
[National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN)](https://www.nclex.com/index.page).

Passing the NCLEX-RN examination grants individuals eligibility to apply for a
nursing license in the state where they intend to practice as a Registered
Nurse.

## What is the median RN salary in Florida?

Nurses in Florida, particularly in the Miami – Fort Lauderdale – West Palm Beach
metropolitan area, enjoy competitive salaries. The positive job outlook for
nurses means that even those newly entering the field can often find stable
employment, with the Fort Lauderdale region, including cities like Miami and
West Palm Beach, offering favorable conditions for RNs.

The median RN salary in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach, FL, is
$85,750 annually, regional compensation vs. national compensation is highlighted
below. \*
[_Source: Lightcast Q2 2025 Data Set_](https://arizonacollege.edu/fort-lauderdale-nursing-school/job-outlook-for-nurses-in-fort-lauderdale/#source)

For those reaching the top percentiles of the profession, the earning potential
is even greater. Nationally, registered nurses in the 90th percentile earn an
hourly wage of $65.06, which amounts to an annual salary of $135,320. According
to May 2024 data, RNs in the 10th percentile, often those just beginning their
careers or in entry-level roles, earn an hourly wage of $31.75, translating to
an annual salary of $66,030. This range illustrates the potential for salary
growth as RNs gain experience and advance in their careers. (Source: 
[Registered Nurses BLS May 2024 Data](https://www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/29-1141.00?st=UT)
)

![Graphic of Median RN Salary in Florida](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Nursing-Salary-for-Nursing-School-in-Florida-AZCN.webp)

## Regional vs. National RN Compensation at a Glance

Registered nurses in the Fort Lauderdale, FL region earn a median salary that is
8% lower than the national average. This chart illustrates this regional
difference.

\*
[_Source: Lightcast Q2 2025 Data Set_](https://arizonacollege.edu/fort-lauderdale-nursing-school/job-outlook-for-nurses-in-fort-lauderdale/#source)

![BSN Nursing School in Florida Nursing Salary](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Nurse-Annual-Compensation-Hartford-Connecticut.webp)

## Nursing Careers in Fort Lauderdale

The Fort Lauderdale, FL metro area, is home to a growing nursing job market.

- **Number of Registered Nurses:** The area is home to approximately 60,839
  Registered Nurses, while the national average for an area this size is 59,875.
- **Employment per 1000 jobs:** For every 1000 jobs, there are about 17
  registered nurses in the area.

These points highlight the opportunity for nursing professionals in and around
Fort Lauderdale. A career in nursing not only offers a stable and rewarding
profession but also the opportunity to work in many different fields and
specialties. 
[_Source: BLS May 2024 Data_](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_38060.htm)

## Where do RNs work in Fort Lauderdale?

The Fort Lauderdale metro area boasts a variety of large hospital networks,
specialty clinics, and long-term care facilities. Arizona College of Nursing’s
three-year BSN program is designed to prepare graduates for entry-level roles
across these sectors.

Fort Lauderdale offers job opportunities in both acute care and ambulatory
settings, with growth projected for both these fields.

Nurses also enjoy significant career flexibility. Beyond traditional day shifts,
many healthcare institutions offer evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday
shifts. Employers often provide shift differentials, offering higher pay for
non-day shifts, which can notably boost your RN salary in Florida.

## What are the top Florida cities by RN job postings?

The top Florida cities for total and unique registered nurse job postings are
highlighted in the table below. These cities are key centers for nursing
careers, offering a variety of opportunities for registered nurses across the
state.

_Date Range for Total & Unique Postings: July 2024 – June 2025. \*[Source: Lightcast Q2 2025 Data Set.](https://arizonacollege.edu/fort-lauderdale-nursing-school/job-outlook-for-nurses-in-fort-lauderdale/#source)_

| City | Total Posting | Unique Postings |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Miami, FL | 10,687 | 2,803 |
| Boca Raton, FL | 2,171 | 674 |
| Fort Lauderdale, FL | 1,696 | 562 |
| Coral Gables, FL | 1,035 | 443 |
| West Palm Beach, FL | 2,161 | 429 |
| Boynton Beach, FL | 1,141 | 392 |
| Hollywood, FL | 966 | 305 |
| Weston, FL | 730 | 235 |
| Deerfield Beach, FL | 424 | 180 |
| South Miami, FL | 325 | 175 |
| Jupiter, FL | 392 | 158 |

## What are the top industries hiring nurses in Florida?

The leading industries in Florida are expanding rapidly, creating job
opportunities across different fields. These sectors provide diverse career
paths for professionals seeking to advance their careers. \*
[_Source: Lightcast Q2 2025 Data Set._](https://arizonacollege.edu/fort-lauderdale-nursing-school/job-outlook-for-nurses-in-fort-lauderdale/#source)

| Industries | Total (󠀁**July 2024 – June 2025**󠁿) |
| --- | --- |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 11,311 |
| Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools | 7,095 |
| Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists) | 1,959 |
| Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities) | 869 |
| Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals | 706 |
| Home Health Care Services | 876 |
| All Other Miscellaneous Ambulatory Health Care Services | 1,902 |
| Kidney Dialysis Centers | 602 |
| Direct Health and Medical Insurance Carriers | 385 |

## What kind of job growth is there for Registered Nurses in Fort Lauderdale, Florida?

O\*NET OnLine projects positive job growth for nurses both nationally and within
the Fort Lauderdale metro area over the next decade.

From 2024 to 2034, job growth for registered nurses in the United States is
expected to grow 5%, potentially creating around 189,100 new nursing positions
annually by 2034. 
[_Source O\*NET OnLine_](https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/29-1141.00?st=FL)

In Florida, the nursing profession is expected to grow by 13%, with nearly
14,110 annual job openings projected between 2022 and 2032. 
[_Source O\*NET OnLine_](https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/29-1141.00?st=FL)

## Job Posting Demand: Regional vs. National Comparison

This section highlights key comparisons between the Fort Lauderdale metro area
and the national average in terms of job opportunities, compensation, and demand
for nursing positions. It provides insights into how the Fort Lauderdale area
aligns with or differs from national trends across these key factors. \*
[_Source: Lightcast Q2 2025 Data Set._](https://arizonacollege.edu/fort-lauderdale-nursing-school/job-outlook-for-nurses-in-fort-lauderdale/#source)

![Nursing Jobs for Nursing Program in Florida](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Nursing-Jobs-for-Nursing-Program-in-Florida-AZCN-768x489-1.webp)

### Jobs (2025)

The national average for an area this size is 59,875\* employees, while there
are 60,839 here.

![Graphic of Median RN Salary in Florida](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Nursing-Salary-for-Nursing-School-in-Florida-AZCN-768x515-1.webp)

### Compensation

The national median salary for Registered Nurses is $93,600, compared to $85,750
here.

![Nursing Job Postings for Nursing Degree Florida](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AZCN-Nursing-Job-Postings-for-Nursing-Degree-Florida-768x483-1.webp)

### Job Posting Demand

The national average for an area this size is 4,002\* job postings/mo, while
there are 2,321 here.

_\*National average values are derived by taking the national value for Registered Nurses and scaling it down to account for the difference in overall workforce size between the nation and Fort Lauderdale, FL. In other words, the value represents the national average adjusted for region size._

## Employment Trends: Regional vs. National Averages

The data highlights employment trends in the Fort Lauderdale area, comparing
them to national averages to provide a comprehensive view of job opportunities
and demand. Notably, employment trends in Fort Lauderdale are about equal to the
national average. \*
[_Source: Lightcast Q2 2025 Data Set._](https://arizonacollege.edu/fort-lauderdale-nursing-school/job-outlook-for-nurses-in-fort-lauderdale/#source)

![BSN Nursing Program in Florida Nursing Jobs](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/BSN-Nursing-Program-in-Florida-Nursing-Jobs.webp)

## What is the job outlook for other nursing roles in Fort Lauderdale and Florida?

Registered nurses (RNs) are essential to healthcare delivery, but they are not
the only nursing professionals involved in patient care. Licensed practical
nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) also contribute
significantly to patient care and support healthcare teams. Similar to RN roles,
the outlook for LPNs and LVNs in Florida remains promising.

As of May 2024, data from the 
[U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)](https://www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/29-2061.00?zip=33334)
 reports that the national average annual wage for LPNs and LVNs is $62,340. \*
[_Source: Lightcast Q2 2025 Data Set._](https://arizonacollege.edu/fort-lauderdale-nursing-school/job-outlook-for-nurses-in-fort-lauderdale/#source)

On average, LPNs and LVNs earn less than registered nurses across the country.
This difference is largely due to the broader scope of responsibilities that RNs
take on in patient care compared to LPNs and LVNs.

While LPNs and LVNs are vital to the healthcare system, those considering a
nursing career should note that becoming an RN with a BSN offers more extensive
career advancement opportunities than pursuing a role as an LPN.

## Industry Sectors with the Most Job Opportunities

The graphic highlights the industry sectors where nursing jobs are most commonly
found, with the majority of positions located within the general medical and
surgical hospitals sector. This sector remains the largest employer of nursing
professionals, offering numerous opportunities for career growth. \*
[_Source: Lightcast Q2 2025 Data Set._](https://arizonacollege.edu/fort-lauderdale-nursing-school/job-outlook-for-nurses-in-fort-lauderdale/#source)

| Industries | % of Occupation in Industry (2025) |
| --- | --- |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 42.1% |
| Education and Hospitals (Local Government) | 17.4% |
| Offices of Physicians | 8.5% |
| Home Health Care Services | 7.9% |
| Outpatient Care Centers | 4.7% |
| Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities) | 3.4% |
| Other | 15.9% |

## Who are the top nursing employers hiring in the Fort Lauderdale area?

The graphic showcases the top companies in the Fort Lauderdale area that are
leading the way in nursing job opportunities. These employers represent a
diverse range of healthcare providers, offering significant contributions to the
region’s healthcare system and attracting skilled nursing professionals. \*
[_Source: Lightcast Q2 2025 Data Set._](https://arizonacollege.edu/fort-lauderdale-nursing-school/job-outlook-for-nurses-in-fort-lauderdale/#source)

| Top Companies | Unique Postings |
| --- | --- |
| University of Miami | 1,861 |
| Baptist Health | 1,356 |
| HCA Healthcare | 450 |
| Broward Health | 304 |
| Jackson Health | 270 |
| Memorial Healthcare System | 212 |
| Cleveland Clinic | 192 |
| Centene | 160 |
| Trustbridge | 135 |
| Jupiter Medical Center | 117 |

## What are the top nursing job titles in the Fort Lauderdale area?

This graphic highlights the range of nursing job titles in demand across the
Fort Lauderdale area, offering insight into the roles shaping the local
healthcare workforce. The variety of titles reflects the wide range of
opportunities available within the nursing community. \*
[_Source: Lightcast Q2 2025 Data Set._](https://arizonacollege.edu/fort-lauderdale-nursing-school/job-outlook-for-nurses-in-fort-lauderdale/#source)

| 󠀁**Top Job Titles**󠁿 | Unique Postings |
| --- | --- |
| Registered Nurses | 1,230 |
| Medical Surgical Registered Nurses | 429 |
| Operating Room Registered Nurses | 401 |
| Home Health Registered Nurses | 322 |
| ICU Registered Nurses | 279 |
| Registered Nurse Case Managers | 269 |
| Labor and Delivery Registered Nurses | 217 |
| Telemetry Registered Nurses | 193 |
| Advanced Practice Registered Nurses | 171 |
| Emergency Room Registered Nurses | 163 |

## What are the top skills in demand for nursing professionals?

The graphic below showcases the top skills most in demand across nursing job
postings, along with the projected growth for each skill. These competencies are
key to staying competitive in the nursing field and are expected to influence
future job opportunities. \*
[_Source: Lightcast Q2 2025 Data Set._](https://arizonacollege.edu/fort-lauderdale-nursing-school/job-outlook-for-nurses-in-fort-lauderdale/#source)

| 󠀁**Skill**󠁿 | Job Postings Requested | Projected Growth |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | 11,350 | 18.1% |
| Nursing | 8,859 | 20.1% |
| Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification | 5,576 | 13.9% |
| Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Certification | 3,725 | 12.3% |
| Nursing Care | 3,423 | 19.1% |
| Medication Administration | 2,141 | 14.3% |
| Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) | 2,049 | 12.9% |
| Nursing Process | 1,508 | 24.2% |
| Intensive Care Unit | 1,477 | 3.2% |
| Care Coordination | 1,474 | 15.6% |

## Leading Nursing Programs

The chart below presents the nursing programs with the highest number of
completions, underscoring the prominence of Registered Nursing as the primary
choice for many nursing students. Other specialized fields, such as Nursing
Administration and Family Practice Nursing, also demonstrate notable completion
figures, highlighting growing interest in advanced nursing roles. \*
[_Source: Lightcast Q2 2025 Data Set._](https://arizonacollege.edu/fort-lauderdale-nursing-school/job-outlook-for-nurses-in-fort-lauderdale/#source)

| 󠀁**Top Programs**󠁿 | Completions (2023) |
| --- | --- |
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse | 6,206 |
| Family Practice Nurse/Nursing | 1,028 |
| Nursing Practice | 310 |
| Nursing Administration | 146 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing, Other | 145 |

## Do you need a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing to be a nurse in Fort Lauderdale?

![BSN Nursing School in Florida Nursing Salary](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/BSN-Nursing-School-in-Florida-Nursing-Salary.webp)

While some entry-level nursing positions may not require a bachelor’s degree,
several nursing associations, government bodies, and healthcare organizations
acknowledge the value of the skills that BSN-prepared nurses bring to their
roles and encourage employers to adopt the BSN as the standard for new hires in
nursing.

According to 
_[The American Association of Colleges of Nursing](https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/fact-sheets/impact-of-education-on-nursing-practice)_
, nurses with a BSN are more adept at handling complex patient cases and are
linked to better patient outcomes due to their advanced training. Though there
are other entry points into nursing, pursuing a BSN opens up broader career
prospects such as employment at a 
[Magnet-designated](https://www.nursingworld.org/organizational-programs/magnet/)
 hospital.

With job growth, stability, and competitive compensation, nursing offers an
excellent career path.

![Nursing Degree School Icon](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/themes/arizona-college/dist/images/azc-iconmark.svg)

## Arizona College of Nursing is Here to Help

If you’re considering a career as a registered nurse (RN), Arizona College of
Nursing is here to help you pursue your dream. Learn more about our BSN program
here.

_\*The included job listing data is sourced from proprietary job outlook reports developed by Lightcast. The information on this page is derived from data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and consolidated reports from Lightcast, except for indicated external links._