Tampa vs West Palm Beach: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Tampa, FL and West Palm Beach, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Tampa, FL | West Palm Beach, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,837 | $108,952▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.88 | $52.38▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,720 | $67,640▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,485▲ | $82,183 |
| 75th Percentile | $134,735 | $139,458▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $168,421 | $168,875▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,500▲ | 29 |
Verdict
West Palm Beach, FL offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tampa.
The salary gap between Tampa and West Palm Beach is $3,115 (2.94%). West Palm Beach's median is -12.86% 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,West Palm Beach spans $101,235. 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, West Palm Beach ($108,087 effective) pays 3.04% 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 West Palm Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($108,952/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($168,875)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,087)
- ✓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 -3.8% growth in West Palm Beach over the same period.
Tampa, FL
$95,220 (2019) → $102,110 (2025)
West Palm Beach, FL
$109,306 (2024) → $105,115 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
West Palm Beach, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Tampa or West Palm Beach?
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Should I relocate from Tampa to West Palm Beach 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