Surg Tech Salary

Allen vs San Antonio: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare surgical technologist salaries between Allen, TX and San Antonio, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Allen, TX
$65,932
$31.69/hr
San Antonio, TX
$49,348
$23.73/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAllen, TXSan Antonio, TX
Median Salary$65,932$49,348
Hourly Rate$31.69$23.73
Entry Level (P10)$47,359$42,107
25th Percentile$55,867$46,102
75th Percentile$83,985$77,722
Top Earner (P90)$100,737$82,992
Total Employed191,390
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Allen ($65,932) and San Antonio ($49,348) surgical technologist salaries.AllenSan AntonioMedian Salary$65,932$49,348Entry Level (P10)$47,359$42,107Top Earner (P90)$100,737$82,992US Median $68,141

Verdict

Allen, TX offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Antonio.

The salary gap between Allen and San Antonio is $16,584 (33.61%). Allen's median is -3.24% compared to the US national median of $68,141.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Allen spans $53,378,San Antonio spans $40,885. Allen has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Allen
P10 (Entry)$47,359
P25$55,867
Median$65,932
P75$83,985
P90 (Top)$100,737
San Antonio
P10 (Entry)$42,107
P25$46,102
Median$49,348
P75$77,722
P90 (Top)$82,992

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Allen ($68,679 effective) pays 31.82% more than San Antonio ($52,101 effective).

Allen
Nominal: $65,932
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $68,679
San Antonio
Nominal: $49,348
CoL Index: 94.716
Adjusted: $52,101

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Allen if…

  • Higher median salary ($65,932/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($100,737)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,679)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose San Antonio if…

  • Larger job market (1,390 employed)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Allen grew 16.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.0% growth in San Antonio over the same period.

Allen, TX

+16.7%

$53,600 (2024) → $62,554 (2025)

San Antonio, TX

+23.0%

$38,080 (2019) → $46,820 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays surgical technologists more: Allen or San Antonio?

Allen has a higher median surgical technologist salary at $65,932/year, compared to San Antonio at $49,348/year — a difference of $16,584 (33.61%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Allen and San Antonio?

Allen surgical technologists earn $31.69/hr while San Antonio hygienists earn $23.73/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Allen to San Antonio as a surgical technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Allen and San Antonio. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Allen = $68,679, San Antonio = $52,101), job availability (19 vs 1,390 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Allen vs San Antonio?

Entry-level (10th percentile) surgical technologists earn $47,359 in Allen and $42,107 in San Antonio. The Allen area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JT

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.

Clinically reviewed by Carlos Ramirez, AAS, CSTData verified by Fatima Ali, BS, CST

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