Carlsbad vs Santa Fe: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Carlsbad, NM and Santa Fe, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Carlsbad, NM | Santa Fe, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,991 | $64,949▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.32 | $31.23▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,901 | $45,857▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $52,276 | $54,235▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $73,704 | $80,520▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $87,625 | $97,580▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 20▲ |
Verdict
Santa Fe, NM offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Carlsbad.
The salary gap between Carlsbad and Santa Fe is $3,958 (6.49%). Santa Fe's median is -4.68% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Carlsbad spans $42,724,Santa Fe spans $51,723. Santa Fe 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, Santa Fe ($68,802 effective) pays 6.49% more than Carlsbad ($64,609 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Carlsbad if…
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Fe if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,949/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($97,580)
- ✓Larger job market (20 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,802)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Carlsbad grew 15.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.1% growth in Santa Fe over the same period.
Carlsbad, NM
$50,123 (2024) → $57,866 (2025)
Santa Fe, NM
$46,660 (2021) → $61,621 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Carlsbad, NM
Santa Fe, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Carlsbad or Santa Fe?
What is the hourly rate difference between Carlsbad and Santa Fe?
Should I relocate from Carlsbad to Santa Fe as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Carlsbad vs Santa Fe?
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