Cedar Rapids vs Marion: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Cedar Rapids, IA and Marion, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Rapids, IA | Marion, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,099▲ | $62,397 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.33▲ | $30.00 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,322 | $44,718▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,901 | $52,435▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $78,731▲ | $75,757 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $96,233▲ | $89,995 |
| Total Employed | 22▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Cedar Rapids, IA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Marion.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and Marion is $702 (1.13%). Cedar Rapids's median is -7.40% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids spans $52,911,Marion spans $45,277. Cedar Rapids 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, Cedar Rapids ($69,800 effective) pays 1.13% more than Marion ($69,023 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,099/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,233)
- ✓Larger job market (22 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,800)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Marion if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Cedar Rapids grew 51.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.9% growth in Marion over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$39,510 (2019) → $59,866 (2025)
Marion, IA
$49,779 (2024) → $59,200 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Marion, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Cedar Rapids or Marion?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cedar Rapids and Marion?
Should I relocate from Cedar Rapids to Marion as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Cedar Rapids vs Marion?
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