Carrollton vs Dallas: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Carrollton, TX and Dallas, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Carrollton, TX | Dallas, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,936 | $84,309▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.18 | $40.54▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,478 | $46,692▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $57,914 | $65,496▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $82,376 | $88,863▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,752▲ | $101,616 |
| Total Employed | 20 | 2,790▲ |
Verdict
Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Carrollton.
The salary gap between Carrollton and Dallas is $17,373 (25.95%). Dallas's median is +23.73% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Carrollton spans $59,274,Dallas spans $54,924. Carrollton has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Dallas ($81,782 effective) pays 17.29% more than Carrollton ($69,725 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Carrollton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,752)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Dallas if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,309/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,790 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $81,782)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Carrollton grew 16.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 57.9% growth in Dallas over the same period.
Carrollton, TX
$54,417 (2024) → $63,507 (2025)
Dallas, TX
$50,650 (2019) → $79,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Carrollton, TX
Dallas, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Carrollton or Dallas?
What is the hourly rate difference between Carrollton and Dallas?
Should I relocate from Carrollton to Dallas as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Carrollton vs Dallas?
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