Boston vs Salem: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Boston, MA and Salem, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Salem, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,901▲ | $79,731 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.30▲ | $38.33 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,021▲ | $61,034 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,029▲ | $69,893 |
| 75th Percentile | $104,957▲ | $94,911 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $122,622▲ | $119,623 |
| Total Employed | 1,550▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.
The salary gap between Boston and Salem is $6,170 (7.74%). 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,Salem spans $58,589. Salem 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 7.97% more than Salem ($73,485 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 Salem 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 Salem over the same period.
Boston, MA
$56,520 (2019) → $81,500 (2025)
Salem, MA
$71,089 (2024) → $75,646 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boston, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Boston or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Salem?
Should I relocate from Boston to Salem as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Boston vs Salem?
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