Key West vs Miami: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Key West, FL and Miami, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Key West, FL | Miami, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,763 | $47,163▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.56 | $22.67▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,115 | $37,422▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $35,872 | $39,763▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $45,388 | $49,493▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $52,116 | $54,511▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 18,670▲ |
Verdict
Miami, FL offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Key West.
The salary gap between Key West and Miami is $4,400 (10.29%). Miami's median is -1.66% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Key West spans $18,001,Miami spans $17,089. Key West 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, Key West ($42,424 effective) pays 2.68% more than Miami ($41,315 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Key West if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $42,424)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Miami if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,163/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($54,511)
- ✓Larger job market (18,670 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Key West grew 7.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.8% growth in Miami over the same period.
Key West, FL
$37,742 (2024) → $40,738 (2025)
Miami, FL
$35,420 (2019) → $44,930 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Key West, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Key West or Miami?
What is the hourly rate difference between Key West and Miami?
Should I relocate from Key West to Miami as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Key West vs Miami?
Related Comparisons
Written by Emma Chen, CMA
Career Analyst
Emma has over 8 years of experience as a medical assistant. She has worked in both outpatient clinics and hospitals. Her expertise includes patient care and administrative support.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.97% 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 Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov