Bristol vs Richmond: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Bristol, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bristol, VA | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,233▲ | $64,273 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.37▲ | $30.90 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,344 | $50,455▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $56,436 | $61,965▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $78,743▲ | $78,649 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $92,353 | $95,387▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 380▲ |
Verdict
Bristol and Richmond are closely matched on overall surgical technologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Bristol and Richmond is $960 (1.49%). Bristol's median is -4.27% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bristol spans $43,009,Richmond spans $44,932. Richmond 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, Richmond ($65,680 effective) pays 3.91% more than Bristol ($63,210 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bristol if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,233/year)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($95,387)
- ✓Larger job market (380 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,680)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Bristol grew 11.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.9% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Bristol, VA
$55,574 (2024) → $61,891 (2025)
Richmond, VA
$49,200 (2019) → $60,980 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bristol, VA
Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Bristol or Richmond?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bristol and Richmond?
Should I relocate from Bristol to Richmond as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Bristol vs Richmond?
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