Tampa vs Jacksonville: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Tampa, FL and Jacksonville, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Tampa, FL | Jacksonville, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,837 | $120,732▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.88 | $58.04▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,720 | $77,250▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,485 | $97,410▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $134,735 | $141,233▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $168,421 | $171,655▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,500▲ | 570 |
Verdict
Jacksonville, FL offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tampa.
The salary gap between Tampa and Jacksonville 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 Tampa spans $101,701,Jacksonville spans $94,405. Tampa has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
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 Tampa if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,500 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
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
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Tampa grew 7.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 29.2% growth in Jacksonville over the same period.
Tampa, FL
$95,220 (2019) → $102,110 (2025)
Jacksonville, FL
$90,160 (2019) → $116,480 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jacksonville, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Tampa or Jacksonville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Tampa and Jacksonville?
Should I relocate from Tampa to Jacksonville as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Tampa vs Jacksonville?
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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