Royal Palm Beach vs Tampa: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Royal Palm Beach, FL and Tampa, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Royal Palm Beach, FL | Tampa, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,619 | $103,215▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.42 | $49.62▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,884 | $73,514▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $77,941▲ | $77,424 |
| 75th Percentile | $125,182 | $134,353▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $152,860 | $174,584▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 4,190▲ |
Verdict
Tampa, FL offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Royal Palm Beach.
The salary gap between Royal Palm Beach and Tampa is $4,596 (4.66%). Tampa's median is -0.27% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Royal Palm Beach spans $84,976,Tampa spans $101,070. Tampa has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Tampa ($102,304 effective) pays 4.57% more than Royal Palm Beach ($97,836 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Royal Palm Beach if…
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,215/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($174,584)
- ✓Larger job market (4,190 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,304)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Royal Palm Beach grew 5.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.4% growth in Tampa over the same period.
Royal Palm Beach, FL
$91,490 (2024) → $96,092 (2025)
Tampa, FL
$81,510 (2019) → $100,570 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Royal Palm Beach, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Royal Palm Beach or Tampa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Royal Palm Beach and Tampa?
Should I relocate from Royal Palm Beach to Tampa as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Royal Palm Beach vs Tampa?
Related Comparisons
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