Centennial vs Colorado Springs: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Centennial, CO and Colorado Springs, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Centennial, CO | Colorado Springs, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,923▲ | $75,667 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.39▲ | $36.37 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,330 | $56,853▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $66,692▲ | $66,065 |
| 75th Percentile | $99,700▲ | $84,267 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $126,981▲ | $88,736 |
| Total Employed | 16 | 240▲ |
Verdict
Centennial, CO offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Colorado Springs.
The salary gap between Centennial and Colorado Springs is $6,256 (8.27%). Centennial's median is +20.23% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Centennial spans $71,651,Colorado Springs spans $31,883. Centennial 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, Centennial ($78,022 effective) pays 3.84% more than Colorado Springs ($75,136 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Centennial if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($81,923/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($126,981)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $78,022)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Colorado Springs if…
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Centennial grew 17.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 25.2% growth in Colorado Springs over the same period.
Centennial, CO
$66,353 (2024) → $77,726 (2025)
Colorado Springs, CO
$57,320 (2019) → $71,790 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Centennial, CO
Colorado Springs, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Centennial or Colorado Springs?
What is the hourly rate difference between Centennial and Colorado Springs?
Should I relocate from Centennial to Colorado Springs as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Centennial vs Colorado Springs?
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