Melbourne vs Tampa: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Melbourne, FL and Tampa, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Melbourne, FL | Tampa, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $131,274 | $132,064▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $63.11 | $63.49▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $96,087 | $101,801▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $115,653▲ | $110,552 |
| 75th Percentile | $156,866 | $158,803▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $180,271▲ | $179,446 |
| Total Employed | 12 | 1,420▲ |
Verdict
Tampa, FL offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Melbourne.
The salary gap between Melbourne and Tampa is $790 (0.60%). Tampa's median is -5.93% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Melbourne spans $84,184,Tampa spans $77,645. Melbourne 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 ($130,899 effective) pays 0.51% more than Melbourne ($130,232 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Melbourne if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($180,271)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($132,064/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,420 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $130,899)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Melbourne grew 3.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.5% growth in Tampa over the same period.
Melbourne, FL
$122,514 (2024) → $127,056 (2025)
Tampa, FL
$109,710 (2019) → $127,820 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Melbourne, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Melbourne or Tampa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Melbourne and Tampa?
Should I relocate from Melbourne to Tampa as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Melbourne vs Tampa?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% 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 Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov