Ashland vs Salem: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Ashland, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ashland, OR | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,267 | $82,223▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.86 | $39.54▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,187 | $71,293▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $58,735 | $81,727▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $77,358 | $99,751▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $96,109 | $100,899▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 100▲ |
Verdict
Salem, OR offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ashland.
The salary gap between Ashland and Salem is $15,956 (24.08%). Salem's median is +20.67% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ashland spans $47,922,Salem spans $29,606. Ashland 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, Salem ($79,328 effective) pays 22.82% more than Ashland ($64,588 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ashland if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($82,223/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($100,899)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $79,328)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Ashland grew -4.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 39.2% growth in Salem over the same period.
Ashland, OR
$66,130 (2024) → $62,872 (2025)
Salem, OR
$56,050 (2019) → $78,010 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ashland, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Ashland or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ashland and Salem?
Should I relocate from Ashland to Salem as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Ashland vs Salem?
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