Cincinnati vs Cleveland: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Cincinnati, OH and Cleveland, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cincinnati, OH | Cleveland, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,876▲ | $65,485 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.16▲ | $31.48 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,741▲ | $48,147 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,758▲ | $58,212 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,781▲ | $76,457 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $86,439▲ | $84,352 |
| Total Employed | 670 | 750▲ |
Verdict
Cincinnati, OH offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cleveland.
The salary gap between Cincinnati and Cleveland is $1,391 (2.12%). Cincinnati's median is -1.86% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cincinnati spans $34,698,Cleveland spans $36,205. Cleveland 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, Cincinnati ($70,123 effective) pays 0.57% more than Cleveland ($69,722 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cincinnati if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,876/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($86,439)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,123)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Larger job market (750 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Cincinnati grew 33.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 29.3% growth in Cleveland over the same period.
Cincinnati, OH
$47,670 (2019) → $63,450 (2025)
Cleveland, OH
$48,060 (2019) → $62,130 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cincinnati, OH
Cleveland, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Cincinnati or Cleveland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cincinnati and Cleveland?
Should I relocate from Cincinnati to Cleveland as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Cincinnati vs Cleveland?
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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