Palm Bay vs Tampa: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer 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 | $62,372 | $78,027▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.99 | $37.51▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,572 | $61,207▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $57,878 | $66,144▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $74,749 | $98,123▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,068 | $109,646▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,240 | 5,190▲ |
Verdict
Tampa, FL offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Palm Bay.
The salary gap between Palm Bay and Tampa is $15,655 (25.10%). Tampa's median is -0.66% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Palm Bay spans $28,496,Tampa spans $48,439. Tampa has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced police officers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Tampa ($77,339 effective) pays 24.00% more than Palm Bay ($62,369 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Palm Bay if…
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($78,027/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($109,646)
- ✓Larger job market (5,190 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,339)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Palm Bay grew 27.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.3% growth in Tampa over the same period.
Palm Bay, FL
$47,380 (2019) → $60,520 (2025)
Tampa, FL
$59,470 (2019) → $75,710 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Palm Bay, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Palm Bay or Tampa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Palm Bay and Tampa?
Should I relocate from Palm Bay to Tampa as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Palm Bay vs Tampa?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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 Lee, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov