Panama City vs Tampa: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Panama City, FL and Tampa, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Panama City, FL | Tampa, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,548 | $78,027▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.10 | $37.51▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,882 | $61,207▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $56,755 | $66,144▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $67,195 | $98,123▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $89,569 | $109,646▲ |
| Total Employed | 440 | 5,190▲ |
Verdict
Tampa, FL offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Panama City.
The salary gap between Panama City and Tampa is $17,479 (28.87%). 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 Panama City spans $42,687,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 24.28% more than Panama City ($62,231 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Panama City 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 Panama City grew 39.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.3% growth in Tampa over the same period.
Panama City, FL
$42,270 (2019) → $58,750 (2025)
Tampa, FL
$59,470 (2019) → $75,710 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Panama City, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Panama City or Tampa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Panama City and Tampa?
Should I relocate from Panama City to Tampa as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Panama City 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