Melbourne vs Tampa: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist 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 | $139,674 | $140,515▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $67.15 | $67.55▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,499▲ | $53,695 |
| 25th Percentile | $127,260 | $130,790▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $158,764 | $160,342▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $168,914 | $171,981▲ |
| Total Employed | 12 | 3,460▲ |
Verdict
Tampa, FL offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Melbourne.
The salary gap between Melbourne and Tampa is $841 (0.60%). Tampa's median is -2.07% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Melbourne spans $70,415,Tampa spans $118,286. Tampa has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced pharmacists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Tampa ($139,275 effective) pays 0.51% more than Melbourne ($138,565 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Melbourne if…
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($140,515/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($171,981)
- ✓Larger job market (3,460 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $139,275)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Melbourne grew 5.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.8% growth in Tampa over the same period.
Melbourne, FL
$130,682 (2024) → $137,164 (2025)
Tampa, FL
$127,980 (2019) → $137,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Melbourne, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Melbourne or Tampa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Melbourne and Tampa?
Should I relocate from Melbourne to Tampa as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Melbourne vs Tampa?
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Written by Sofia Chen, PharmD
Career Analyst
Sofia Chen has 10 years of experience in community pharmacy. She specializes in medication therapy management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.83% 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 Sofia Chen, PharmD, a licensed pharmacist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov