Colorado Springs vs Erie: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Colorado Springs, CO and Erie, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Colorado Springs, CO | Erie, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $75,667 | $80,238▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $36.37 | $38.58▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,853 | $58,087▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $66,065 | $68,046▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $84,267 | $96,258▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $88,736 | $114,120▲ |
| Total Employed | 240▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Erie, CO offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Colorado Springs.
The salary gap between Colorado Springs and Erie is $4,571 (6.04%). Erie's median is +17.75% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Colorado Springs spans $31,883,Erie spans $56,033. Erie 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, Erie ($76,417 effective) pays 1.71% more than Colorado Springs ($75,136 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Colorado Springs if…
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Erie if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($80,238/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($114,120)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,417)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Colorado Springs grew 25.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.2% growth in Erie over the same period.
Colorado Springs, CO
$57,320 (2019) → $71,790 (2025)
Erie, CO
$64,412 (2024) → $76,127 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Colorado Springs, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Colorado Springs or Erie?
What is the hourly rate difference between Colorado Springs and Erie?
Should I relocate from Colorado Springs to Erie as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Colorado Springs vs Erie?
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