Boone vs Charlotte: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Boone, NC and Charlotte, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boone, NC | Charlotte, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,276 | $66,918▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.46 | $32.17▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,492 | $52,278▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $52,437 | $57,591▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $72,074 | $81,738▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,765 | $85,406▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 1,170▲ |
Verdict
Charlotte, NC offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Boone.
The salary gap between Boone and Charlotte is $5,642 (9.21%). Charlotte's median is -1.79% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boone spans $38,273,Charlotte spans $33,128. Boone 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, Charlotte ($68,741 effective) pays 5.00% more than Boone ($65,466 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boone if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Charlotte if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,918/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($85,406)
- ✓Larger job market (1,170 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,741)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Boone grew 20.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 51.5% growth in Charlotte over the same period.
Boone, NC
$48,243 (2024) → $58,137 (2025)
Charlotte, NC
$41,900 (2019) → $63,490 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlotte, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Boone or Charlotte?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boone and Charlotte?
Should I relocate from Boone to Charlotte as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Boone vs Charlotte?
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