Jacksonville vs Tampa: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Jacksonville, FL and Tampa, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jacksonville, FL | Tampa, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $120,732▲ | $105,837 |
| Hourly Rate | $58.04▲ | $50.88 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,250▲ | $66,720 |
| 25th Percentile | $97,410▲ | $82,485 |
| 75th Percentile | $141,233▲ | $134,735 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $171,655▲ | $168,421 |
| Total Employed | 570 | 1,500▲ |
Verdict
Jacksonville, FL offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tampa.
The salary gap between Jacksonville and Tampa is $14,895 (14.07%). Jacksonville's median is -3.44% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jacksonville spans $94,405,Tampa spans $101,701. Tampa has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electrical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Jacksonville ($121,358 effective) pays 15.69% more than Tampa ($104,903 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jacksonville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($120,732/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($171,655)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $121,358)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,500 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Jacksonville grew 29.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.2% growth in Tampa over the same period.
Jacksonville, FL
$90,160 (2019) → $116,480 (2025)
Tampa, FL
$95,220 (2019) → $102,110 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jacksonville, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Jacksonville or Tampa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jacksonville and Tampa?
Should I relocate from Jacksonville to Tampa as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Jacksonville vs Tampa?
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Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% 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 Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov