Panama City vs Tampa: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer 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 | $132,623 | $133,482▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $63.76 | $64.17▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,128 | $79,111▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $90,461 | $94,931▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $174,284 | $180,461▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $275,487▲ | $267,310 |
| Total Employed | 290 | 8,330▲ |
Verdict
Tampa, FL offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Panama City.
The salary gap between Panama City and Tampa is $859 (0.65%). Tampa's median is -20.15% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Panama City spans $205,359,Tampa spans $188,199. 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, Panama City ($136,309 effective) pays 3.03% more than Tampa ($132,304 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 ($275,487)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $136,309)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,482/year)
- ✓Larger job market (8,330 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Panama City grew 35.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 37.0% growth in Tampa over the same period.
Panama City, FL
$93,680 (2019) → $126,670 (2025)
Tampa, FL
$93,090 (2019) → $127,490 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Panama City, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Alexandra Chen, JD
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Alexandra works at a mid-sized law firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.70% 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 Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov