Palm Bay vs Tampa: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical 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 | $105,627▲ | $103,218 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.78▲ | $49.63 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,036▲ | $70,284 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,017 | $87,832▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $132,540▲ | $131,048 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $164,888▲ | $163,694 |
| Total Employed | 1,440▲ | 1,220 |
Verdict
Palm Bay, FL offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Tampa.
The salary gap between Palm Bay and Tampa is $2,409 (2.33%). Palm Bay's median is -1.42% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Palm Bay spans $87,852,Tampa spans $93,410. Tampa has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced mechanical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Palm Bay ($105,622 effective) pays 3.24% 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 Palm Bay if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,627/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($164,888)
- ✓Larger job market (1,440 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,622)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Palm Bay grew 5.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.6% growth in Tampa over the same period.
Palm Bay, FL
$97,120 (2019) → $102,630 (2025)
Tampa, FL
$78,000 (2019) → $100,290 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Palm Bay, 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