Auburn vs Lewiston: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Auburn, ME and Lewiston, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Auburn, ME | Lewiston, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,779 | $66,856▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.66 | $32.15▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,648 | $48,188▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $57,287▲ | $56,333 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,189 | $81,292▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $87,464 | $96,872▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 7▲ |
Verdict
Lewiston, ME offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Auburn.
The salary gap between Auburn and Lewiston is $3,077 (4.82%). Lewiston's median is -1.89% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Auburn spans $41,816,Lewiston spans $48,684. Lewiston 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, Lewiston ($67,124 effective) pays 4.82% more than Auburn ($64,035 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Auburn if…
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose Lewiston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,856/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,872)
- ✓Larger job market (7 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,124)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Auburn grew 11.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 4.4% growth in Lewiston over the same period.
Auburn, ME
$54,287 (2024) → $60,511 (2025)
Lewiston, ME
$60,780 (2021) → $63,431 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Auburn, ME
Lewiston, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Auburn or Lewiston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Auburn and Lewiston?
Should I relocate from Auburn to Lewiston as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Auburn vs Lewiston?
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