Accountant Hourly Pay in Tampa, FL: $38.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a accountant working in Tampa, FL runs $38.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,052 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Weighted against Tampa's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.9, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $38.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,636 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Tampa, the accountant hourly pay is projected to be $38.97 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $41.28. This difference reflects the region's specific economic conditions and cost of living index, which currently stands at 100.89, indicating it's above the national average. For part-time accountants working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a steady income while allowing for flexibility that can enhance work-life balance. Entry-level accountants can expect to earn around $24.81 per hour, while seasoned professionals can command as much as $65.33 per hour. These figures represent the official Bureau of Labor Statistics data, showcasing a clear range of potential compensation for various levels of expertise within different working environments, from the bustling floors of public accounting firms to corporate finance offices.
Accountant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.81 | $198.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.87 | $246.92 |
| Median (P50) | $38.97 | $311.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.56 | $404.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65.33 | $522.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tampa
Based on $38.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.97/hr, a accountant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tampa, FL can expect to earn approximately $81,060 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,766. With a cost-of-living index of 100.89 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tampa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tampa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,558.85 | $6,755 | $81,060 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $935.31 | $4,053 | $48,636 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $623.54 | $2,702 | $32,424 |
Compare CPA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Accountant (Tampa) | $38.97 |
| Financial Analyst (National Avg) | $47.61 |
| Bookkeeping / Accounting Clerk (National Avg) | $22.93 |
| Auditor (National Avg) | $39.88 |
| Tax Examiner / Collector (National Avg) | $29.61 |
Accountants in Tampa, FL earn a median of $81,052 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.60% lower than the national median of $85,864 and 2.50% above the Florida state average of $79,075.
Accountant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.97/hr = $48,636/year (purchasing power: $48,207).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,060/year (purchasing power: $80,345).
CoL index: 100.89 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Accountants in Tampa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for accountants in Tampa grew 22.2% from $31.08/hr (2019) to $37.98/hr (2025). At a 2.61% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.99/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem accountants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tampa metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.61% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Accountant in Tampa
The earnings landscape for part-time accountants in Tampa can yield a different annual income than their full-time counterparts. A professional working 24 hours a week would bring home considerably less than a full-time employee, highlighting the importance of negotiating hourly rates. Per diem accountant pay in Tampa varies widely, with 1099 contract accountants typically charging between $50 and $95 per hour, depending on their specialization. For those stepping in during busy seasons at Big Four firms, hourly rates can climb to between $80 and $130. Furthermore, niche roles, such as forensic accountants serving as expert witnesses, can reach astonishing rates of $300 to $600 per hour in litigation contexts. Additionally, the employer type significantly impacts hourly compensation; roles at larger firms often provide better benefits but lower hourly pay compared to boutique and solo practices where higher rates might be more common. Ultimately, accountants should weigh the trade-offs of employer-provided benefits against potentially higher hourly wages when considering their next career move in Tampa, where thoughtful negotiation can make a significant difference in their overall compensation package.
More salary data for Tampa, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Sofia Patel, CPA
Career Analyst
Sofia Patel has over 10 years of experience in financial analysis. She specializes in tax preparation for small businesses. She has worked in both corporate and public accounting environments.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.61% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for accountants in Tampa. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.61%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for accountants (SOC 13-2011).
Compiled and verified by Sofia Patel, CPA, a licensed accountant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov