Boulder vs Northglenn: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Boulder, CO and Northglenn, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boulder, CO | Northglenn, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,006▲ | $76,922 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.35▲ | $36.98 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,306▲ | $57,006 |
| 25th Percentile | $68,247▲ | $65,969 |
| 75th Percentile | $91,002 | $94,650▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,039 | $113,296▲ |
| Total Employed | 130▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Boulder, CO offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Northglenn.
The salary gap between Boulder and Northglenn is $9,084 (11.81%). 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,Northglenn spans $56,290. Northglenn 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 11.59% more than Northglenn ($73,259 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 Northglenn if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($113,296)
- ✓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 Northglenn over the same period.
Boulder, CO
$57,430 (2019) → $81,600 (2025)
Northglenn, CO
$61,750 (2024) → $72,981 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boulder, CO
Northglenn, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Boulder or Northglenn?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boulder and Northglenn?
Should I relocate from Boulder to Northglenn as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Boulder vs Northglenn?
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