Boston vs New Bedford: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Boston, MA and New Bedford, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | New Bedford, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,901▲ | $83,366 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.30▲ | $40.08 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,021▲ | $61,315 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,029▲ | $71,663 |
| 75th Percentile | $104,957▲ | $102,119 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $122,622 | $123,946▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,550▲ | 24 |
Verdict
Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to New Bedford.
The salary gap between Boston and New Bedford is $2,535 (3.04%). 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,New Bedford spans $62,631. New Bedford 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 3.26% more than New Bedford ($76,835 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)
- ✓Larger job market (1,550 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $79,343)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose New Bedford if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($123,946)
- ✓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 New Bedford over the same period.
Boston, MA
$56,520 (2019) → $81,500 (2025)
New Bedford, MA
$74,330 (2024) → $79,095 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boston, MA
New Bedford, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Boston or New Bedford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and New Bedford?
Should I relocate from Boston to New Bedford as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Boston vs New Bedford?
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