Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Key West, FL: $22.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Key West, FL runs $22.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,180 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Key West's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,305 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Key West, FL, the projected median dental assistant hourly pay for 2026 stands at $22.68. This figure is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $23.84, which may influence local job competition and hiring considerations. For those operating part-time, such as working three days a week, this hourly rate means potential earnings of roughly $1,081.68 weekly before taxes, offering a stable income for individuals seeking a balanced work-life. Based on the 2026 estimates, entry-level dental assistants can expect to earn around $17.71 per hour, while those with more experience and expertise can achieve earnings up to $27.58 per hour. This wide range makes it clear that various settings, such as general dentistry, pediatric exam rooms, or orthodontic practices, can also factor into the overall compensation landscape.
About the Key West Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.71 | $141.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.88 | $167.00 |
| Median (P50) | $22.68 | $181.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.02 | $216.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.58 | $220.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Key West
Based on $22.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.68/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Key West, FL can expect to earn approximately $47,175 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,217. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Key West.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Key West
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $907.22 | $3,931 | $47,175 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $544.33 | $2,359 | $28,305 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $362.89 | $1,573 | $18,870 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Key West) | $22.68 |
| Dental Hygienist (National Avg) | $42.45 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Pharmacy Technician (National Avg) | $19.27 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
Dental Assistants in Key West, FL earn a median of $47,180 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.84% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 1.50% below the Florida state average of $47,899.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.68/hr = $28,305/year (purchasing power: $28,081).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,175/year (purchasing power: $46,801).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Key West (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.06/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Key West grew 19.9% from $18.33/hr (2019) to $21.99/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.39/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dental assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
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 3.14% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Dental Assistant in Key West
For dental assistants who prefer flexibility, part-time schedules or per-diem work can significantly impact earnings. A 24-hour workweek can yield an annual income of approximately $56,376, far surpassing what many might expect from a traditional role. Per diem dental assistant pay in Key West typically ranges from $22 to $35 per hour; however, specialists in oral surgery or orthodontics can command between $28 and $45 hourly. Hourly rates often fluctuate depending on the employer type. General and pediatric dental practices may provide more stable hourly rates, while dental support organizations (DSOs) might offer varied pay scales due to their size and hiring policies. Many dental assistants face the decision of accepting lower hourly rates in exchange for comprehensive health benefits. Negotiating salary can be beneficial for hourly workers in Key West, especially for those who are aware of local market trends and understand the value of their expanded function authority, which can translate into a pay bump for those with such credentials.
More salary data for Key West, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Key West in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Key West?
Are dental assistants in Key West paid hourly or salary?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH
Career Analyst
Maria Gonzalez has over 10 years of experience in dental assisting. She specializes in pediatric dentistry. She works in a private dental practice.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for dental assistants in Key West. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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 3.14%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental assistants (SOC 31-9091).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov