Key West vs Tampa: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Key West, FL and Tampa, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Key West, FL | Tampa, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,763 | $46,691▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.56 | $22.45▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,115 | $38,692▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $35,872 | $40,046▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $45,388 | $49,105▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $52,116▲ | $51,950 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 9,310▲ |
Verdict
Tampa, FL offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Key West.
The salary gap between Key West and Tampa is $3,928 (9.19%). Tampa's median is -2.65% 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,Tampa spans $13,258. 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, Tampa ($46,279 effective) pays 9.09% more than Key West ($42,424 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 top-earner potential ($52,116)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,691/year)
- ✓Larger job market (9,310 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,279)
- ✓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 37.9% growth in Tampa over the same period.
Key West, FL
$37,742 (2024) → $40,738 (2025)
Tampa, FL
$32,250 (2019) → $44,480 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Key West, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
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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