Boulder vs Durango: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Boulder, CO and Durango, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boulder, CO | Durango, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,006▲ | $75,988 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.35▲ | $36.53 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,306▲ | $60,563 |
| 25th Percentile | $68,247▲ | $67,983 |
| 75th Percentile | $91,002▲ | $89,300 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,039 | $108,562▲ |
| Total Employed | 130▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Boulder, CO offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Durango.
The salary gap between Boulder and Durango is $10,018 (13.18%). Boulder's median is +26.22% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boulder spans $37,733,Durango spans $47,999. Durango 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, Boulder ($81,753 effective) pays 12.97% more than Durango ($72,370 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boulder if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,006/year)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $81,753)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Durango if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($108,562)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Boulder grew 42.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.2% growth in Durango over the same period.
Boulder, CO
$57,430 (2019) → $81,600 (2025)
Durango, CO
$61,001 (2024) → $72,095 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boulder, CO
Durango, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Boulder or Durango?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boulder and Durango?
Should I relocate from Boulder to Durango as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Boulder vs Durango?
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