Clearwater vs Tampa: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Clearwater, FL and Tampa, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Clearwater, FL | Tampa, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,750▲ | $66,307 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.09▲ | $31.88 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,822 | $48,473▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $54,143 | $61,901▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $85,079▲ | $81,021 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,463▲ | $103,461 |
| Total Employed | 19 | 1,260▲ |
Verdict
Clearwater, FL offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tampa.
The salary gap between Clearwater and Tampa is $443 (0.67%). Clearwater's median is -2.04% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Clearwater spans $58,641,Tampa spans $54,988. Clearwater 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, Clearwater ($66,220 effective) pays 0.76% more than Tampa ($65,722 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Clearwater if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,750/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,463)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,220)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,260 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Clearwater grew 18.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 37.4% growth in Tampa over the same period.
Clearwater, FL
$53,294 (2024) → $63,330 (2025)
Tampa, FL
$45,800 (2019) → $62,910 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Clearwater, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
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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