Arecibo vs Mayaguez: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Arecibo, PR and Mayaguez, PR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arecibo, PR | Mayaguez, PR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $28,332 | $32,885▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $13.63 | $15.81▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $27,288▲ | $25,507 |
| 25th Percentile | $27,288 | $29,164▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $28,332 | $51,520▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $28,332 | $51,520▲ |
| Total Employed | 30 | 210▲ |
Verdict
Mayaguez, PR offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Arecibo.
The salary gap between Arecibo and Mayaguez is $4,553 (16.07%). Mayaguez's median is -51.74% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arecibo spans $1,044,Mayaguez spans $26,013. Mayaguez has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced surgical technologists.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arecibo if…
- ✓You prefer the Puerto Rico area and lifestyle
Choose Mayaguez if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($32,885/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($51,520)
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Puerto Rico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Arecibo grew 58.7% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 67.9% growth in Mayaguez over the same period.
Arecibo, PR
$16,940 (2021) → $26,880 (2025)
Mayaguez, PR
$18,580 (2019) → $31,200 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arecibo, PR
Mayaguez, PR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Arecibo or Mayaguez?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arecibo and Mayaguez?
Should I relocate from Arecibo to Mayaguez as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Arecibo vs Mayaguez?
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