Charleston vs Mount Pleasant: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Charleston, SC and Mount Pleasant, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, SC | Mount Pleasant, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,156 | $67,172▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.37 | $32.29▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,949▲ | $47,900 |
| 25th Percentile | $58,718▲ | $55,028 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,842 | $82,265▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $72,842 | $98,976▲ |
| Total Employed | 380▲ | 19 |
Verdict
Mount Pleasant, SC offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Charleston.
The salary gap between Charleston and Mount Pleasant is $4,016 (6.36%). Mount Pleasant's median is -1.42% 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,Mount Pleasant spans $51,076. Mount Pleasant 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, Mount Pleasant ($73,412 effective) pays 17.36% 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 Mount Pleasant if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,172/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($98,976)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,412)
- ✓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 37.3% growth in Mount Pleasant over the same period.
Charleston, SC
$41,400 (2019) → $59,920 (2025)
Mount Pleasant, SC
$46,421 (2024) → $63,731 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
Mount Pleasant, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Charleston or Mount Pleasant?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Mount Pleasant?
Should I relocate from Charleston to Mount Pleasant as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Charleston vs Mount Pleasant?
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