Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Key West, FL: $18.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Key West, FL runs $18.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,805 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Key West's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $18.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,286 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Key West, Florida, certified nursing assistants (CNAs) earn a median hourly rate of $18.66. This figure falls below the national median hourly rate of $21.64, which highlights the local economic conditions impacting the profession. For those seeking part-time or per-diem work, this hourly pay equates to approximately $1,488 a month for a typical schedule of three 8-hour shifts per week, making it essential for CNAs to evaluate the best settings for employment. Entry-level positions start around $15.15 per hour, progressing to top earners at $21.50 per hour. These rates are reflective of estimated annual salary data, emphasizing the importance of understanding how hourly wages can define the experience of working in skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and at home with patients.
About the Key West Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($35,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.15 | $121.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.40 | $131.21 |
| Median (P50) | $18.66 | $149.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $20.55 | $164.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $21.50 | $172.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Key West
Based on $18.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.66/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Key West, FL can expect to earn approximately $38,810 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,391. 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) | $746.35 | $3,234 | $38,810 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $447.81 | $1,941 | $23,286 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $298.54 | $1,294 | $15,524 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Key West) | $18.66 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (National Avg) | $29.34 |
| Home Health / Personal Care Aide (National Avg) | $16.80 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
| Psychiatric Aide (National Avg) | $18.50 |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Key West, FL earn a median of $38,805 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.78% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 1.50% below the Florida state average of $39,396.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.66/hr = $23,286/year (purchasing power: $23,101).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,810/year (purchasing power: $38,502).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$12.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Key West (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $12.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $12.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Key West grew 42.5% from $12.30/hr (2019) to $17.52/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.87/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem certified nursing 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 6.50% 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 Certified Nursing Assistant in Key West
Part-time CNAs working about 24 hours weekly can expect to take home around $28,309 annually, considerably less than a full-time position might offer. For those considering per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Key West, rates are often more lucrative with agency positions billing as much as $22 to $32 per hour, especially during high-demand periods and for weekend shifts that might pay premium rates up to $30 to $45 per hour. Additionally, travel contracts, while less common than traditional roles, can offer substantial earnings ranging from $1,000 to $1,800 per week post-COVID. Rates differ across employers, with skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies generally lower than acute care hospitals or specialty rehabilitation units. Ultimately, many CNAs must balance the choice of accepting lower hourly wages for guaranteed benefits versus pursuing higher pay without such perks. When negotiating for hourly pay in Key West, understanding local labor market trends and being aware of your worth can provide a significant advantage.
More salary data for Key West, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Emily Chen, BSN, RN
Career Analyst
Emily has over 10 years of experience in nursing. She focuses on workforce trends in nursing. Emily has worked in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and long-term care facilities.
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 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for certified nursing 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 6.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for certified nursing assistants (SOC 31-1131).
Compiled and verified by Emily Chen, BSN, RN, a licensed certified nursing assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov