Key West vs Miami: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist 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 | $99,817 | $104,585▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.98 | $50.28▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,968▲ | $68,710 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,747 | $83,324▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $114,446▲ | $109,738 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $123,301 | $124,610▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 2,550▲ |
Verdict
Miami, FL offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Key West.
The salary gap between Key West and Miami is $4,768 (4.78%). Miami's median is +1.15% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Key West spans $51,333,Miami spans $55,900. Miami has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Key West ($99,025 effective) pays 8.09% more than Miami ($91,617 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: $99,025)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Miami if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,585/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($124,610)
- ✓Larger job market (2,550 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Key West grew 6.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.3% growth in Miami over the same period.
Key West, FL
$91,375 (2024) → $96,853 (2025)
Miami, FL
$77,880 (2019) → $101,480 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Key West, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists 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 occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Key West vs Miami?
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Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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 Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov