Alexandria vs Baton Rouge: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Alexandria, LA and Baton Rouge, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Alexandria, LA | Baton Rouge, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $53,712 | $63,482▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.82 | $30.52▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,840▲ | $32,432 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,601 | $48,273▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $63,535 | $66,244▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $68,215 | $80,694▲ |
| Total Employed | 100 | 470▲ |
Verdict
Baton Rouge, LA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Alexandria.
The salary gap between Alexandria and Baton Rouge is $9,770 (18.19%). Baton Rouge's median is -6.84% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Alexandria spans $29,375,Baton Rouge spans $48,262. Baton Rouge has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced surgical technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Baton Rouge ($69,929 effective) pays 11.56% more than Alexandria ($62,685 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Alexandria if…
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Baton Rouge if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,482/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($80,694)
- ✓Larger job market (470 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,929)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Alexandria grew 22.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 43.6% growth in Baton Rouge over the same period.
Alexandria, LA
$41,530 (2019) → $50,960 (2025)
Baton Rouge, LA
$41,950 (2019) → $60,230 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Alexandria, LA
Baton Rouge, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Alexandria or Baton Rouge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Alexandria and Baton Rouge?
Should I relocate from Alexandria to Baton Rouge as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Alexandria vs Baton Rouge?
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