St. Petersburg vs Tampa: Accountant Salary (2026)
Compare accountant salaries between St. Petersburg, FL and Tampa, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | St. Petersburg, FL | Tampa, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,613 | $81,052▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.76 | $38.97▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,085▲ | $51,613 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,484▲ | $64,203 |
| 75th Percentile | $103,186 | $105,165▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $124,951 | $135,886▲ |
| Total Employed | 42 | 14,770▲ |
Verdict
Tampa, FL offers better overall compensation for accountants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to St. Petersburg.
The salary gap between St. Petersburg and Tampa is $439 (0.54%). Tampa's median is -5.60% compared to the US national median of $85,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in St. Petersburg spans $70,866,Tampa spans $84,273. Tampa has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced accountants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Tampa ($80,337 effective) pays 0.45% more than St. Petersburg ($79,973 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose St. Petersburg if…
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($81,052/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($135,886)
- ✓Larger job market (14,770 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,337)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, accountant salaries in St. Petersburg grew -2.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.2% growth in Tampa over the same period.
St. Petersburg, FL
$80,545 (2024) → $78,563 (2025)
Tampa, FL
$64,650 (2019) → $78,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
St. Petersburg, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays accountants more: St. Petersburg or Tampa?
What is the hourly rate difference between St. Petersburg and Tampa?
Should I relocate from St. Petersburg to Tampa as a accountant?
What do entry-level accountants earn in St. Petersburg vs Tampa?
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Written by Sofia Patel, CPA
Career Analyst
Sofia Patel has over 10 years of experience in financial analysis. She specializes in tax preparation for small businesses. She has worked in both corporate and public accounting environments.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.61% 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 Sofia Patel, CPA, a licensed accountant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov