Panama City vs Tampa: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber 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 | $49,005 | $53,310▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.56 | $25.63▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,806 | $42,659▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,937 | $49,968▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $60,692 | $63,275▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $71,456▲ | $68,514 |
| Total Employed | 510 | 4,180▲ |
Verdict
Tampa, FL offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Panama City.
The salary gap between Panama City and Tampa is $4,305 (8.78%). Tampa's median is -18.50% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Panama City spans $38,650,Tampa spans $25,855. Panama City 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, Tampa ($52,840 effective) pays 4.91% more than Panama City ($50,367 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Panama City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($71,456)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($53,310/year)
- ✓Larger job market (4,180 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,840)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Panama City grew 14.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.3% growth in Tampa over the same period.
Panama City, FL
$41,590 (2019) → $47,800 (2025)
Tampa, FL
$44,330 (2019) → $52,000 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Panama City, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers 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 plumber?
What do entry-level plumbers earn in Panama City vs Tampa?
Related Comparisons
Written by Samuel Torres, CWP
Career Analyst
Samuel Torres has 10 years of experience in plumbing. He specializes in residential plumbing systems. He has worked with several home improvement companies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.52% 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 Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov