Bellevue vs Kearney: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Bellevue, NE and Kearney, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bellevue, NE | Kearney, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,375▲ | $60,041 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.03▲ | $28.87 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,177 | $45,715▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,013 | $52,580▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $75,447▲ | $73,641 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,704▲ | $88,041 |
| Total Employed | 15▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Bellevue, NE offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kearney.
The salary gap between Bellevue and Kearney is $334 (0.56%). Bellevue's median is -11.40% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bellevue spans $48,527,Kearney spans $42,326. Bellevue 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, Bellevue ($65,984 effective) pays 0.56% more than Kearney ($65,619 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bellevue if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,375/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,704)
- ✓Larger job market (15 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,984)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Kearney if…
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Bellevue grew 19.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.7% growth in Kearney over the same period.
Bellevue, NE
$47,846 (2024) → $57,282 (2025)
Kearney, NE
$47,581 (2024) → $56,965 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bellevue, NE
Kearney, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Bellevue or Kearney?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bellevue and Kearney?
Should I relocate from Bellevue to Kearney as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Bellevue vs Kearney?
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