Blacksburg vs Richmond: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Blacksburg, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Blacksburg, VA | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,743▲ | $64,273 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.53▲ | $30.90 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,986▲ | $50,455 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,350 | $61,965▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $85,421▲ | $78,649 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,813▲ | $95,387 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 380▲ |
Verdict
Blacksburg, VA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Richmond.
The salary gap between Blacksburg and Richmond is $5,470 (8.51%). Blacksburg's median is +2.35% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Blacksburg spans $50,827,Richmond spans $44,932. Blacksburg 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, Blacksburg ($67,580 effective) pays 2.89% more than Richmond ($65,680 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Blacksburg if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,743/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,813)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,580)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Larger job market (380 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Blacksburg grew 15.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.9% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Blacksburg, VA
$57,316 (2024) → $66,170 (2025)
Richmond, VA
$49,200 (2019) → $60,980 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Blacksburg, VA
Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Blacksburg or Richmond?
What is the hourly rate difference between Blacksburg and Richmond?
Should I relocate from Blacksburg to Richmond as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Blacksburg vs Richmond?
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