Palm Bay vs Tampa: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Palm Bay, FL and Tampa, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Palm Bay, FL | Tampa, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,287▲ | $103,215 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.66▲ | $49.62 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,012 | $73,514▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $80,883▲ | $77,424 |
| 75th Percentile | $133,275 | $134,353▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $171,874 | $174,584▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,070 | 4,190▲ |
Verdict
Palm Bay and Tampa are closely matched on overall civil engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Palm Bay and Tampa is $72 (0.07%). Palm Bay's median is -0.20% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Palm Bay spans $105,862,Tampa spans $101,070. Palm Bay 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, Palm Bay ($103,282 effective) pays 0.96% more than Tampa ($102,304 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Palm Bay if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,287/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,282)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($174,584)
- ✓Larger job market (4,190 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Palm Bay grew 7.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.4% growth in Tampa over the same period.
Palm Bay, FL
$93,710 (2019) → $100,640 (2025)
Tampa, FL
$81,510 (2019) → $100,570 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Palm Bay, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% 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 Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov