Cleveland vs Akron: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Cleveland, OH and Akron, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, OH | Akron, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,485▲ | $63,251 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.48▲ | $30.41 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,147 | $48,726▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $58,212▲ | $54,956 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,457▲ | $68,257 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,352▲ | $81,885 |
| Total Employed | 750▲ | 160 |
Verdict
Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Akron.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Akron is $2,234 (3.53%). Cleveland's median is -3.90% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $36,205,Akron spans $33,159. Cleveland 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, Cleveland ($69,722 effective) pays 2.92% more than Akron ($67,742 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,485/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,352)
- ✓Larger job market (750 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,722)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Akron if…
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Cleveland grew 29.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.3% growth in Akron over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$48,060 (2019) → $62,130 (2025)
Akron, OH
$46,040 (2019) → $60,010 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Comparisons
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