Palm Bay vs Tampa: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist 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 | $226,662▲ | $216,996 |
| Hourly Rate | $108.98▲ | $104.33 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $153,256▲ | $113,416 |
| 25th Percentile | $200,057▲ | $164,985 |
| 75th Percentile | $279,014▲ | $223,718 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $320,310▲ | $257,729 |
| Total Employed | 29 | 1,070▲ |
Verdict
Palm Bay, FL offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tampa.
The salary gap between Palm Bay and Tampa is $9,666 (4.45%). Palm Bay's median is -8.93% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Palm Bay spans $167,054,Tampa spans $144,313. 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 ($224,863 effective) pays 4.55% more than Tampa ($215,082 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 ($226,662/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($320,310)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $224,863)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,070 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Palm Bay grew -0.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 39.4% growth in Tampa over the same period.
Palm Bay, FL
$217,495 (2024) → $215,458 (2025)
Tampa, FL
$148,010 (2019) → $206,270 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Palm Bay, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA
Career Analyst
Alexandra Johnson has 10 years of experience as a nurse anesthetist. She specializes in anesthesia for orthopedic surgeries. She works in a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.20% 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 Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA, a licensed nurse anesthetist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov