Cheyenne vs Riverton: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Cheyenne, WY and Riverton, WY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cheyenne, WY | Riverton, WY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,665▲ | $60,962 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.09▲ | $29.31 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,662 | $48,238▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $56,382▲ | $54,286 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,237▲ | $73,657 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $98,603▲ | $86,709 |
| Total Employed | 13▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Cheyenne, WY offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Riverton.
The salary gap between Cheyenne and Riverton is $3,703 (6.07%). Cheyenne's median is -5.10% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cheyenne spans $54,941,Riverton spans $38,471. Cheyenne 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, Cheyenne ($67,500 effective) pays 6.07% more than Riverton ($63,635 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cheyenne if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,665/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($98,603)
- ✓Larger job market (13 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,500)
- ✓You prefer the Wyoming area and lifestyle
Choose Riverton if…
- ✓You prefer the Wyoming area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Cheyenne grew 115.3% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 15.4% growth in Riverton over the same period.
Cheyenne, WY
$28,500 (2021) → $61,352 (2025)
Riverton, WY
$50,100 (2024) → $57,839 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cheyenne, WY
Riverton, WY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Cheyenne or Riverton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cheyenne and Riverton?
Should I relocate from Cheyenne to Riverton as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Cheyenne vs Riverton?
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