Avondale vs Mesa: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Avondale, AZ and Mesa, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Avondale, AZ | Mesa, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,933 | $81,866▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.66 | $39.36▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,234 | $58,203▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $56,930 | $69,138▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $84,423 | $101,641▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,401 | $124,678▲ |
| Total Employed | 14 | 98▲ |
Verdict
Mesa, AZ offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Avondale.
The salary gap between Avondale and Mesa is $13,933 (20.51%). Mesa's median is +20.14% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Avondale spans $54,167,Mesa spans $66,475. Mesa 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, Mesa ($83,113 effective) pays 20.51% more than Avondale ($68,968 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Avondale if…
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Mesa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($81,866/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($124,678)
- ✓Larger job market (98 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $83,113)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Avondale grew 11.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.5% growth in Mesa over the same period.
Avondale, AZ
$57,823 (2024) → $64,453 (2025)
Mesa, AZ
$61,402 (2024) → $77,672 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Avondale, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Avondale or Mesa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Avondale and Mesa?
Should I relocate from Avondale to Mesa as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Avondale vs Mesa?
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