Tampa vs West Palm Beach: Accountant Salary (2026)
Compare accountant salaries between Tampa, FL and West Palm Beach, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Tampa, FL | West Palm Beach, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,052 | $84,902▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.97 | $40.82▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,613 | $55,612▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $64,203 | $66,679▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $105,165 | $108,674▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $135,886▲ | $131,597 |
| Total Employed | 14,770▲ | 29 |
Verdict
Tampa and West Palm Beach are closely matched on overall accountant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Tampa and West Palm Beach is $3,850 (4.75%). West Palm Beach's median is -1.12% compared to the US national median of $85,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Tampa spans $84,273,West Palm Beach spans $75,985. 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, West Palm Beach ($84,228 effective) pays 4.84% more than Tampa ($80,337 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($135,886)
- ✓Larger job market (14,770 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose West Palm Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,902/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $84,228)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, accountant salaries in Tampa grew 22.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.9% growth in West Palm Beach over the same period.
Tampa, FL
$64,650 (2019) → $78,990 (2025)
West Palm Beach, FL
$81,199 (2024) → $82,742 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
West Palm Beach, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
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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