Altoona vs Philadelphia: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Altoona, PA and Philadelphia, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Altoona, PA | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $54,871 | $73,411▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $26.38 | $35.30▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,169 | $51,425▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,169 | $64,420▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $65,390 | $77,764▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,390 | $84,299▲ |
| Total Employed | 40 | 2,020▲ |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Altoona.
The salary gap between Altoona and Philadelphia is $18,540 (33.79%). Philadelphia's median is +7.73% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Altoona spans $16,221,Philadelphia spans $32,874. Philadelphia 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, Philadelphia ($71,583 effective) pays 16.77% more than Altoona ($61,304 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Altoona if…
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($73,411/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,299)
- ✓Larger job market (2,020 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,583)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Altoona grew 17.2% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 50.0% growth in Philadelphia over the same period.
Altoona, PA
$44,420 (2021) → $52,060 (2025)
Philadelphia, PA
$46,440 (2019) → $69,650 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Altoona, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Altoona or Philadelphia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Altoona and Philadelphia?
Should I relocate from Altoona to Philadelphia as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Altoona vs Philadelphia?
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