Bear vs Smyrna: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Bear, DE and Smyrna, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bear, DE | Smyrna, DE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,371▲ | $55,463 |
| Hourly Rate | $27.58▲ | $26.67 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,054 | $43,139▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,384▲ | $48,846 |
| 75th Percentile | $67,801▲ | $66,583 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,875▲ | $77,927 |
| Total Employed | 6▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Bear, DE offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Smyrna.
The salary gap between Bear and Smyrna is $1,908 (3.44%). Bear's median is -15.81% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bear spans $35,821,Smyrna spans $34,788. Bear 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, Bear ($56,412 effective) pays 3.44% more than Smyrna ($54,536 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bear if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($57,371/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($78,875)
- ✓Larger job market (6 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $56,412)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Choose Smyrna if…
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Bear grew -3.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -3.7% growth in Smyrna over the same period.
Bear, DE
$56,527 (2024) → $54,432 (2025)
Smyrna, DE
$54,646 (2024) → $52,621 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Bear or Smyrna?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bear and Smyrna?
Should I relocate from Bear to Smyrna as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Bear vs Smyrna?
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