Carson City vs Reno: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Carson City, NV and Reno, NV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Carson City, NV | Reno, NV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,275 | $79,925▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.38 | $38.43▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,600 | $64,895▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $55,642 | $67,899▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $80,631 | $86,597▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,580 | $99,308▲ |
| Total Employed | 14 | 180▲ |
Verdict
Reno, NV offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Carson City.
The salary gap between Carson City and Reno is $14,650 (22.44%). Reno's median is +17.29% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Carson City spans $49,980,Reno spans $34,413. Carson City 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, Reno ($79,123 effective) pays 19.15% more than Carson City ($66,404 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Carson City if…
- ✓You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle
Choose Reno if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($79,925/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($99,308)
- ✓Larger job market (180 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $79,123)
- ✓You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Carson City grew 4.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.4% growth in Reno over the same period.
Carson City, NV
$59,393 (2024) → $61,931 (2025)
Reno, NV
$57,290 (2019) → $75,830 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Carson City, NV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Carson City or Reno?
What is the hourly rate difference between Carson City and Reno?
Should I relocate from Carson City to Reno as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Carson City vs Reno?
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