Palm Bay vs Tampa: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent 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 | $80,439▲ | $49,268 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.67▲ | $23.69 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,692▲ | $30,156 |
| 25th Percentile | $45,959▲ | $30,917 |
| 75th Percentile | $156,939▲ | $79,840 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $156,939▲ | $106,108 |
| Total Employed | 730 | 4,210▲ |
Verdict
Palm Bay, FL offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tampa.
The salary gap between Palm Bay and Tampa is $31,171 (63.27%). Palm Bay's median is +50.01% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Palm Bay spans $118,247,Tampa spans $75,952. Palm Bay 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, Palm Bay ($80,435 effective) pays 64.71% more than Tampa ($48,833 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 ($80,439/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($156,939)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,435)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Larger job market (4,210 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Palm Bay grew 2.1% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 16.9% growth in Tampa over the same period.
Palm Bay, FL
$77,590 (2021) → $79,250 (2025)
Tampa, FL
$41,510 (2019) → $48,540 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Palm Bay, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience as a real estate agent. She specializes in residential properties. She works with a large brokerage in Texas.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.50% 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 Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®, a licensed real estate agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov