Baltimore vs Wheaton: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Baltimore, MD and Wheaton, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Baltimore, MD | Wheaton, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $72,694 | $74,467▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $34.95 | $35.80▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,311 | $51,396▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $63,988▲ | $61,296 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,922 | $91,435▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $87,556 | $110,403▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,090▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Wheaton, MD offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Baltimore.
The salary gap between Baltimore and Wheaton is $1,773 (2.44%). Wheaton's median is +9.28% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baltimore spans $42,245,Wheaton spans $59,007. Wheaton 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, Baltimore ($69,572 effective) pays 2.12% more than Wheaton ($68,131 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Baltimore if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,090 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,572)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Wheaton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($74,467/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($110,403)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Baltimore grew 28.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.7% growth in Wheaton over the same period.
Baltimore, MD
$53,670 (2019) → $68,970 (2025)
Wheaton, MD
$65,571 (2024) → $70,652 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Baltimore, MD
Wheaton, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Baltimore or Wheaton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Baltimore and Wheaton?
Should I relocate from Baltimore to Wheaton as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Baltimore vs Wheaton?
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