Ashburn vs Richmond: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Ashburn, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ashburn, VA | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,847▲ | $64,273 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.10▲ | $30.90 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,425 | $50,455▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $59,063 | $61,965▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $85,420▲ | $78,649 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,547▲ | $95,387 |
| Total Employed | 12 | 380▲ |
Verdict
Ashburn, VA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Richmond.
The salary gap between Ashburn and Richmond is $4,574 (7.12%). Ashburn's median is +1.04% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ashburn spans $53,122,Richmond spans $44,932. Ashburn 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, Ashburn ($66,712 effective) pays 1.57% more than Richmond ($65,680 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ashburn if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,847/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,547)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,712)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Larger job market (380 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Ashburn grew 15.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.9% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Ashburn, VA
$56,580 (2024) → $65,320 (2025)
Richmond, VA
$49,200 (2019) → $60,980 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ashburn, VA
Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Ashburn or Richmond?
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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