Tampa vs Cape Coral: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Tampa, FL and Cape Coral, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Tampa, FL | Cape Coral, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,215▲ | $87,225 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.62▲ | $41.93 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,514▲ | $64,411 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,424 | $79,107▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $134,353▲ | $124,459 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $174,584▲ | $162,043 |
| Total Employed | 4,190▲ | 730 |
Verdict
Tampa, FL offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cape Coral.
The salary gap between Tampa and Cape Coral is $15,990 (18.33%). 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 Tampa spans $101,070,Cape Coral spans $97,632. 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, Tampa ($102,304 effective) pays 20.04% more than Cape Coral ($85,223 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Cape Coral if…
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Tampa grew 23.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.7% growth in Cape Coral over the same period.
Tampa, FL
$81,510 (2019) → $100,570 (2025)
Cape Coral, FL
$83,590 (2019) → $84,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cape Coral, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Tampa or Cape Coral?
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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