Charleston vs Hilton Head Island: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Charleston, SC and Hilton Head Island, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, SC | Hilton Head Island, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,156 | $66,202▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.37 | $31.83▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,949▲ | $45,132 |
| 25th Percentile | $58,718▲ | $53,880 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,842▲ | $71,756 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $72,842 | $84,383▲ |
| Total Employed | 380▲ | 40 |
Verdict
Hilton Head Island, SC offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Charleston.
The salary gap between Charleston and Hilton Head Island is $3,046 (4.82%). Hilton Head Island's median is -2.85% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $22,893,Hilton Head Island spans $39,251. Hilton Head Island has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced surgical technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Hilton Head Island ($67,541 effective) pays 7.97% more than Charleston ($62,554 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Larger job market (380 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Hilton Head Island if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,202/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,383)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,541)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Charleston grew 44.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 58.8% growth in Hilton Head Island over the same period.
Charleston, SC
$41,400 (2019) → $59,920 (2025)
Hilton Head Island, SC
$39,550 (2019) → $62,810 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
Hilton Head Island, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Charleston or Hilton Head Island?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Hilton Head Island?
Should I relocate from Charleston to Hilton Head Island as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Charleston vs Hilton Head Island?
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