Orlando vs St. Petersburg: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Orlando, FL and St. Petersburg, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Orlando, FL | St. Petersburg, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $123,426▲ | $105,266 |
| Hourly Rate | $59.34▲ | $50.61 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,577▲ | $67,129 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,677▲ | $80,983 |
| 75th Percentile | $133,180 | $134,161▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $164,866▲ | $163,162 |
| Total Employed | 2,010▲ | 42 |
Verdict
Orlando, FL offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to St. Petersburg.
The salary gap between Orlando and St. Petersburg is $18,160 (17.25%). Orlando's median is -1.29% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Orlando spans $86,289,St. Petersburg spans $96,033. St. Petersburg 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, Orlando ($121,700 effective) pays 16.54% more than St. Petersburg ($104,431 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Orlando if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($123,426/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($164,866)
- ✓Larger job market (2,010 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $121,700)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose St. Petersburg if…
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Orlando grew 21.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -6.3% growth in St. Petersburg over the same period.
Orlando, FL
$97,940 (2019) → $119,080 (2025)
St. Petersburg, FL
$108,427 (2024) → $101,559 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Orlando, FL
St. Petersburg, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
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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