Chelsea vs Worcester: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Chelsea, MA and Worcester, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chelsea, MA | Worcester, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,992▲ | $81,801 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.42▲ | $39.32 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,810 | $61,923▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $69,677 | $73,506▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $98,563 | $102,122▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $116,640▲ | $103,281 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 210▲ |
Verdict
Chelsea, MA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Worcester.
The salary gap between Chelsea and Worcester is $191 (0.23%). Chelsea's median is +20.33% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chelsea spans $56,830,Worcester spans $41,358. Chelsea 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, Worcester ($79,788 effective) pays 5.58% more than Chelsea ($75,569 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chelsea if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($81,992/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($116,640)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Worcester if…
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $79,788)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Chelsea grew 6.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 43.8% growth in Worcester over the same period.
Chelsea, MA
$73,104 (2024) → $77,791 (2025)
Worcester, MA
$53,980 (2019) → $77,610 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chelsea, MA
Worcester, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Chelsea or Worcester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chelsea and Worcester?
Should I relocate from Chelsea to Worcester as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Chelsea vs Worcester?
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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