Columbus vs Jackson: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Columbus, MS and Jackson, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, MS | Jackson, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $54,912 | $63,229▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $26.40 | $30.40▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,422 | $42,771▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,366 | $52,236▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $64,839 | $69,585▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $75,404▲ | $73,833 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 320▲ |
Verdict
Jackson, MS offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbus.
The salary gap between Columbus and Jackson is $8,317 (15.15%). Jackson's median is -7.21% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $35,982,Jackson spans $31,062. Columbus 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, Jackson ($71,006 effective) pays 10.82% more than Columbus ($64,075 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($75,404)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Jackson if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,229/year)
- ✓Larger job market (320 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,006)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Columbus grew 46.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.6% growth in Jackson over the same period.
Columbus, MS
$35,458 (2024) → $52,099 (2025)
Jackson, MS
$44,910 (2019) → $59,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, MS
Jackson, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Columbus or Jackson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Jackson?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Jackson as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Columbus vs Jackson?
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