Columbia vs Spartanburg: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Columbia, SC and Spartanburg, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Spartanburg, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,536 | $67,003▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.03 | $32.21▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,732 | $61,269▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $54,376 | $66,370▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $70,365▲ | $67,003 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,302 | $82,444▲ |
| Total Employed | 440▲ | 270 |
Verdict
Spartanburg, SC offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Columbia and Spartanburg is $2,467 (3.82%). Spartanburg's median is -1.67% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $25,570,Spartanburg spans $21,175. Columbia 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, Spartanburg ($73,588 effective) pays 6.80% more than Columbia ($68,903 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Larger job market (440 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Spartanburg if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,003/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,444)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,588)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Columbia grew 49.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 60.8% growth in Spartanburg over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$41,070 (2019) → $61,230 (2025)
Spartanburg, SC
$39,540 (2019) → $63,570 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Spartanburg, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Columbia or Spartanburg?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Spartanburg?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Spartanburg as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Columbia vs Spartanburg?
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