Alabaster vs Birmingham: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Alabaster, AL and Birmingham, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Alabaster, AL | Birmingham, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,206 | $54,302▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.14 | $26.11▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,738▲ | $38,524 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,344▲ | $42,076 |
| 75th Percentile | $60,059 | $63,114▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $74,220▲ | $65,738 |
| Total Employed | 8 | 700▲ |
Verdict
Birmingham, AL offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Alabaster.
The salary gap between Alabaster and Birmingham is $4,096 (8.16%). Birmingham's median is -20.31% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Alabaster spans $35,482,Birmingham spans $27,214. Alabaster has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Birmingham ($59,253 effective) pays 3.74% more than Alabaster ($57,117 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Alabaster if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($74,220)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Birmingham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($54,302/year)
- ✓Larger job market (700 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $59,253)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Alabaster grew 16.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.1% growth in Birmingham over the same period.
Alabaster, AL
$40,882 (2024) → $47,634 (2025)
Birmingham, AL
$39,610 (2019) → $51,520 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Alabaster, AL
Birmingham, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Alabaster or Birmingham?
What is the hourly rate difference between Alabaster and Birmingham?
Should I relocate from Alabaster to Birmingham as a surgical technologist?
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Related Comparisons
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.40% 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 Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov