Boston vs Lawrence: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Boston, MA and Lawrence, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Lawrence, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,901▲ | $80,700 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.30▲ | $38.80 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,021▲ | $58,941 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,029▲ | $68,860 |
| 75th Percentile | $104,957▲ | $101,520 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $122,622▲ | $120,754 |
| Total Employed | 1,550▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lawrence.
The salary gap between Boston and Lawrence is $5,201 (6.44%). Boston's median is +26.06% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boston spans $57,601,Lawrence spans $61,813. Lawrence 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, Boston ($79,343 effective) pays 6.67% more than Lawrence ($74,378 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($85,901/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($122,622)
- ✓Larger job market (1,550 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $79,343)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Lawrence if…
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Boston grew 44.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.4% growth in Lawrence over the same period.
Boston, MA
$56,520 (2019) → $81,500 (2025)
Lawrence, MA
$71,952 (2024) → $76,565 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boston, MA
Lawrence, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Boston or Lawrence?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Lawrence?
Should I relocate from Boston to Lawrence as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Boston vs Lawrence?
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