Tampa vs West Palm Beach: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Tampa, FL and West Palm Beach, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Tampa, FL | West Palm Beach, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,709▲ | $60,197 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.18▲ | $28.94 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,399▲ | $44,168 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,409 | $53,310▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $64,738 | $77,053▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $75,048 | $93,306▲ |
| Total Employed | 11,000▲ | 29 |
Verdict
Tampa, FL offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to West Palm Beach.
The salary gap between Tampa and West Palm Beach is $512 (0.85%). Tampa's median is -6.02% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Tampa spans $24,649,West Palm Beach spans $49,138. West Palm Beach has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced elementary school teachers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Tampa ($60,173 effective) pays 0.76% more than West Palm Beach ($59,719 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,709/year)
- ✓Larger job market (11,000 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,173)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose West Palm Beach if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($93,306)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Tampa grew -9.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -1.3% growth in West Palm Beach over the same period.
Tampa, FL
$66,250 (2019) → $60,120 (2025)
West Palm Beach, FL
$60,378 (2024) → $59,613 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
West Palm Beach, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Tampa or West Palm Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Tampa and West Palm Beach?
Should I relocate from Tampa to West Palm Beach as a elementary school teacher?
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Written by Jordan Lee, M.Ed.
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in elementary education. They focus on curriculum development and teaching methodologies. Their experience includes working in public schools.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 0.98% 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, M.Ed., a licensed elementary school teacher with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov