Pensacola vs Tampa: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Pensacola, FL and Tampa, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pensacola, FL | Tampa, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,323 | $105,837▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.24 | $50.88▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,791 | $66,720▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $78,764 | $82,485▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $128,350 | $134,735▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $157,683 | $168,421▲ |
| Total Employed | 190 | 1,500▲ |
Verdict
Tampa, FL offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Pensacola.
The salary gap between Pensacola and Tampa is $5,514 (5.50%). Tampa's median is -15.35% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pensacola spans $96,892,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, Tampa ($104,903 effective) pays 2.18% more than Pensacola ($102,667 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Pensacola if…
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,837/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($168,421)
- ✓Larger job market (1,500 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,903)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Pensacola grew 18.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.2% growth in Tampa over the same period.
Pensacola, FL
$81,910 (2019) → $96,790 (2025)
Tampa, FL
$95,220 (2019) → $102,110 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pensacola, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Pensacola or Tampa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Pensacola and Tampa?
Should I relocate from Pensacola to Tampa as a electrical engineer?
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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