Daytona Beach vs Tampa: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Daytona Beach, FL and Tampa, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Daytona Beach, FL | Tampa, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $136,731 | $138,484▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $65.73 | $66.58▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,779▲ | $65,869 |
| 25th Percentile | $107,281▲ | $81,682 |
| 75th Percentile | $175,015 | $175,926▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $211,933 | $219,480▲ |
| Total Employed | 14 | 1,060▲ |
Verdict
Tampa, FL offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Daytona Beach.
The salary gap between Daytona Beach and Tampa is $1,753 (1.28%). Tampa's median is +0.84% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Daytona Beach spans $132,154,Tampa spans $153,611. Tampa has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinarians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Tampa ($137,262 effective) pays 1.19% more than Daytona Beach ($135,646 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Daytona Beach if…
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($138,484/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($219,480)
- ✓Larger job market (1,060 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $137,262)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Daytona Beach grew 22.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 58.9% growth in Tampa over the same period.
Daytona Beach, FL
$105,935 (2024) → $129,529 (2025)
Tampa, FL
$82,560 (2019) → $131,190 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Daytona Beach, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Daytona Beach or Tampa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Daytona Beach and Tampa?
Should I relocate from Daytona Beach to Tampa as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Daytona Beach vs Tampa?
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Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM
Career Analyst
Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% 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 Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov