Birmingham vs Montgomery: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Birmingham, AL and Montgomery, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Birmingham, AL | Montgomery, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $54,302▲ | $51,783 |
| Hourly Rate | $26.11▲ | $24.90 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,524▲ | $34,424 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,076▲ | $39,030 |
| 75th Percentile | $63,114 | $64,937▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,738 | $91,245▲ |
| Total Employed | 700▲ | 270 |
Verdict
Birmingham, AL offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Montgomery.
The salary gap between Birmingham and Montgomery is $2,519 (4.86%). Birmingham's median is -20.31% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Birmingham spans $27,214,Montgomery spans $56,821. Montgomery 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, Birmingham ($59,253 effective) pays 2.62% more than Montgomery ($57,741 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Birmingham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($54,302/year)
- ✓Larger job market (700 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $59,253)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Montgomery if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,245)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Birmingham grew 30.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 65.5% growth in Montgomery over the same period.
Birmingham, AL
$39,610 (2019) → $51,520 (2025)
Montgomery, AL
$29,680 (2019) → $49,130 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Birmingham, AL
Montgomery, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Birmingham or Montgomery?
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Should I relocate from Birmingham to Montgomery as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Birmingham vs Montgomery?
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