Bay City vs Detroit: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Bay City, MI and Detroit, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bay City, MI | Detroit, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,242 | $69,364▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.85 | $33.35▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,601 | $49,116▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $56,448 | $60,742▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $79,730 | $82,254▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $94,646▲ | $83,645 |
| Total Employed | 8 | 1,670▲ |
Verdict
Detroit, MI offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bay City.
The salary gap between Bay City and Detroit is $3,122 (4.71%). Detroit's median is +1.79% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bay City spans $46,045,Detroit spans $34,529. Bay City 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, Bay City ($71,075 effective) pays 2.77% more than Detroit ($69,158 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bay City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($94,646)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,075)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Detroit if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,364/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,670 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Bay City grew 21.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 48.4% growth in Detroit over the same period.
Bay City, MI
$51,811 (2024) → $62,848 (2025)
Detroit, MI
$44,340 (2019) → $65,810 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bay City, MI
Detroit, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Bay City or Detroit?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bay City and Detroit?
Should I relocate from Bay City to Detroit as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Bay City vs Detroit?
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