Colorado Springs vs Loveland: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Colorado Springs, CO and Loveland, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Colorado Springs, CO | Loveland, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $75,667▲ | $69,873 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.37▲ | $33.59 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,853▲ | $50,023 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,065▲ | $58,864 |
| 75th Percentile | $84,267 | $85,720▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $88,736 | $103,111▲ |
| Total Employed | 240▲ | 17 |
Verdict
Colorado Springs, CO offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Loveland.
The salary gap between Colorado Springs and Loveland is $5,794 (8.29%). Colorado Springs's median is +11.04% 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,Loveland spans $53,088. Loveland 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, Colorado Springs ($75,136 effective) pays 12.91% more than Loveland ($66,546 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Colorado Springs if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($75,667/year)
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,136)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Loveland if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,111)
- ✓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 5.4% growth in Loveland over the same period.
Colorado Springs, CO
$57,320 (2019) → $71,790 (2025)
Loveland, CO
$62,905 (2024) → $66,293 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Colorado Springs, CO
Loveland, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Colorado Springs or Loveland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Colorado Springs and Loveland?
Should I relocate from Colorado Springs to Loveland as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Colorado Springs vs Loveland?
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