Key West vs Tampa: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician 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 | $45,329 | $45,729▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.79 | $21.98▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,084 | $37,832▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $37,350 | $38,812▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $48,839 | $50,095▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $56,831 | $59,131▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 6,200▲ |
Verdict
Tampa, FL offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Key West.
The salary gap between Key West and Tampa is $400 (0.88%). Tampa's median is -5.20% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Key West spans $20,747,Tampa spans $21,299. Tampa has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced pharmacy technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Tampa ($45,326 effective) pays 0.79% more than Key West ($44,969 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Key West if…
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,729/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($59,131)
- ✓Larger job market (6,200 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,326)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Key West grew 13.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 37.3% growth in Tampa over the same period.
Key West, FL
$37,742 (2024) → $42,990 (2025)
Tampa, FL
$31,580 (2019) → $43,370 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Key West, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Key West or Tampa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Key West and Tampa?
Should I relocate from Key West to Tampa as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Key West vs Tampa?
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Written by Emily Tran, PharmD
Career Analyst
Emily Tran has over 8 years of experience as a pharmacy technician. She specializes in medication therapy management. Her experience includes working in community pharmacies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.44% 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 Emily Tran, PharmD, a licensed pharmacy technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov