Chapel Hill vs Raleigh: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Chapel Hill, NC and Raleigh, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chapel Hill, NC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,417 | $64,800▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.97 | $31.16▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,294 | $51,878▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $52,900 | $61,385▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $78,971▲ | $78,565 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,389▲ | $81,643 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 560▲ |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Chapel Hill.
The salary gap between Chapel Hill and Raleigh is $383 (0.59%). Raleigh's median is -4.90% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chapel Hill spans $55,095,Raleigh spans $29,765. Chapel Hill 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, Chapel Hill ($68,822 effective) pays 4.25% more than Raleigh ($66,017 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chapel Hill if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($99,389)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,822)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,800/year)
- ✓Larger job market (560 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Chapel Hill grew 21.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.2% growth in Raleigh over the same period.
Chapel Hill, NC
$50,457 (2024) → $61,117 (2025)
Raleigh, NC
$50,710 (2019) → $61,480 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chapel Hill, NC
Raleigh, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Chapel Hill or Raleigh?
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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