Hialeah vs Tampa: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Hialeah, FL and Tampa, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hialeah, FL | Tampa, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $107,735▲ | $103,218 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.80▲ | $49.63 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,283▲ | $70,284 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,007 | $87,832▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $137,900▲ | $131,048 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $166,989▲ | $163,694 |
| Total Employed | 35 | 1,220▲ |
Verdict
Hialeah, FL offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tampa.
The salary gap between Hialeah and Tampa is $4,517 (4.38%). Hialeah's median is +0.55% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hialeah spans $94,706,Tampa spans $93,410. Hialeah 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, Hialeah ($106,880 effective) pays 4.47% more than Tampa ($102,307 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hialeah if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($107,735/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($166,989)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,880)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,220 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Hialeah grew 3.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.6% growth in Tampa over the same period.
Hialeah, FL
$100,744 (2024) → $104,678 (2025)
Tampa, FL
$78,000 (2019) → $100,290 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hialeah, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Amina Patel, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering. She specializes in thermal analysis and works in the automotive industry.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.92% 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, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov