Tampa vs Wildwood: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Tampa, FL and Wildwood, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Tampa, FL | Wildwood, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,482▲ | $130,561 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.17▲ | $62.77 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,111 | $81,122▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $94,931 | $100,282▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $180,461▲ | $173,802 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $267,310▲ | $239,166 |
| Total Employed | 8,330▲ | 70 |
Verdict
Tampa, FL offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wildwood.
The salary gap between Tampa and Wildwood is $2,921 (2.24%). 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 Tampa spans $188,199,Wildwood spans $158,044. Tampa 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, Wildwood ($152,839 effective) pays 15.52% 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 Tampa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,482/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($267,310)
- ✓Larger job market (8,330 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Wildwood if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $152,839)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Tampa grew 37.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -2.1% growth in Wildwood over the same period.
Tampa, FL
$93,090 (2019) → $127,490 (2025)
Wildwood, FL
$127,370 (2024) → $124,700 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Wildwood, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays lawyers more: Tampa or Wildwood?
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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