Bluffton vs Columbia: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Bluffton, SC and Columbia, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bluffton, SC | Columbia, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,944▲ | $64,536 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.22▲ | $31.03 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,463 | $52,732▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $55,943▲ | $54,376 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,251▲ | $70,365 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $95,887▲ | $78,302 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 440▲ |
Verdict
Bluffton, SC offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Bluffton and Columbia is $408 (0.63%). Bluffton's median is -4.69% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bluffton spans $47,424,Columbia spans $25,570. Bluffton 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, Bluffton ($70,977 effective) pays 3.01% more than Columbia ($68,903 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bluffton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,944/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($95,887)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,977)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Larger job market (440 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Bluffton grew 41.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 49.1% growth in Columbia over the same period.
Bluffton, SC
$43,534 (2024) → $61,617 (2025)
Columbia, SC
$41,070 (2019) → $61,230 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bluffton, SC
Columbia, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Bluffton or Columbia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bluffton and Columbia?
Should I relocate from Bluffton to Columbia as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Bluffton vs Columbia?
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