Occupational Therapist Salary in Key West, FL: $99,817 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Key West, FL earns a median $99,817/year (≈ $47.98/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Key West's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $99,025 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapist salary in Key West, Florida, is projected to reach a median annual figure of $99,817. This local salary, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional costs, reflects a noteworthy range that spans from $71,968 at the 10th percentile to $123,301 at the 90th percentile. Occupational therapists in the area often have to choose between employment settings such as hospitals, school systems, and skilled nursing facilities. This decision not only affects income levels, driven by the structure of jobs—typically, hospitals paying more than schools or skilled nursing—but also the consistency of work throughout the year. Those opting for year-round contracts may find financial stability compared to their school-year counterparts.
About the Key West Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,968 | $34.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $81,747 | $39.30 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $99,817 | $47.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $114,446 | $55.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $123,301 | $59.28 |
Median Salary Position
3.47% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Key West
In Key West, FL, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,333 (2026 est.). At $99,817, the local median is 3.47% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Key West: You'd be above the median
How Key West Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Key West median: $99,817/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Key West Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $101,337 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -3.47% less |
Occupational Therapists in Key West, FL earn a median of $99,817 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.47% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 1.50% below the Florida state average of $101,337.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Key West has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Key West, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $99,817 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $99,025 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$82,006
2025 BLS Actual
$96,853
2026 Current Est.
$99,817
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Key West (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $82,006 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,290 | Actual |
| 2021 | $82,605 | Actual |
| 2022 | $89,951 | Actual |
| 2023 | $93,030 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,375 | Actual |
| 2025 | $96,853 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $99,817 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $102,871 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Key West metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $82,006 (2019) to $96,853 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $102,871 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,865 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Key West 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 3.06% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $71,968 – $81,747 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $81,747 – $99,817 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $99,817 – $114,446 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $114,446 – $123,301 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Key West
The job market for occupational therapists in Key West is relatively small, with just four professionals reported to be actively employed. Given the cost of living index of 100.8, which is slightly above the national average, take-home pay may feel reduced despite salaries that appear competitive at first glance. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities tend to offer lower pay, while hospital inpatient rehabilitation programs generally compensate more generously. Variations in pay also hinge on certifications, such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) designation, which can earn practitioners a premium. Additionally, billing methods, productivity expectations, and the influence of Medicare cuts all contribute to disparities in pay. To maximize earnings within this unique market, pursuing advanced certifications and targeting outpatient clinics or hospitals will prove beneficial for aspiring therapists.
More salary data for Key West, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Key West, FL in 2026?
Is Key West, FL a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Key West?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Key West?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $96,853 for occupational therapistsin the Key West metropolitan area. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Key West is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapists (SOC 29-1122).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov