Cleveland vs Fairfield: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Cleveland, OH and Fairfield, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, OH | Fairfield, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,485▲ | $62,893 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.48▲ | $30.24 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,147▲ | $47,813 |
| 25th Percentile | $58,212▲ | $54,875 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,457▲ | $74,630 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,352 | $93,970▲ |
| Total Employed | 750▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fairfield.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Fairfield is $2,592 (4.12%). 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,Fairfield spans $46,157. Fairfield 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, Cleveland ($69,722 effective) pays 0.55% more than Fairfield ($69,342 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)
- ✓Larger job market (750 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,722)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Fairfield if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($93,970)
- ✓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 26.9% growth in Fairfield over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$48,060 (2019) → $62,130 (2025)
Fairfield, OH
$47,039 (2024) → $59,671 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Fairfield, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Cleveland or Fairfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Fairfield?
Should I relocate from Cleveland to Fairfield as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Cleveland vs Fairfield?
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