Surgical Technologist Salary in Key West, FL: $64,135 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Key West, FL earns a median $64,135/year (≈ $30.83/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Key West's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $63,626 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, surgical technologists in Key West, Florida, can expect a median annual salary of $64,135, which is slightly below the national median of $68,141, representing a difference of 5.88%. The local salary range extends from $45,981 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $90,689 at the upper end (90th percentile), indicating significant earning potential for those who specialize in high-demand areas like cardiovascular and neurosurgery. This projection is derived from 2025 BLS data, accounting for local economic conditions and price adjustments in the region. With a limited workforce of just four surgical technologists, the job market reflects the specialized nature of this field, suggesting competition among employers to attract qualified candidates.
About the Key West Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,981 | $22.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,059 | $25.99 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,135 | $30.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,000 | $37.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90,689 | $43.60 |
Median Salary Position
5.88% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Key West
In Key West, FL, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,708 (2026 est.). At $64,135, the local median is 5.88% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Key West: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Key West Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Key West median: $64,135/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Key West Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $65,112 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -5.88% less |
Surgical Technologists in Key West, FL earn a median of $64,135 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.88% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 1.50% below the Florida state average of $65,112.
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 $64,135 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $63,626 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,460
2025 BLS Actual
$60,849
2026 Current Est.
$64,135
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Key West (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,460 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,787 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,677 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,670 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,047 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,647 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,849 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,135 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,598 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Key West metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $45,460 (2019) to $60,849 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,598 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,138 (48.70%) 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 5.40% 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) | $45,981 – $54,059 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,059 – $64,135 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,135 – $78,000 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,000 – $90,689 |
Surg Tech, CST salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual surgical technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Surgical Technologist Job Market in Key West
The current cost of living index for Key West stands at 100.8, slightly above the national average, which can influence the take-home purchasing power of surgical technologists. Among local employers, those working in specialty surgical centers and hospital operating rooms often find the highest pay, particularly when they hold certifications in robotic surgery or assume surgical first assistant roles. The earning potential can vary widely, largely driven by specialization types, call coverage availability, and the complexity of procedures performed. To maximize compensation, aspiring surgical technologists in Key West should focus on attaining certifications such as CST and seek opportunities for roles that offer premium rates, especially within trauma centers or through travel surgical tech agencies. Networking with local healthcare facilities and continuing education could further enhance career prospects in this evolving field.
More salary data for Key West, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years of experience as a surgical technologist. She specializes in orthopedic surgical procedures. Jessica works at a community hospital.
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 $60,849 for surgical technologistsin the Key West metropolitan area. A 5.40% 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 5.40%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for surgical technologists (SOC 29-2055).
Compiled and verified by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov