Columbus vs Lakewood: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Columbus, OH and Lakewood, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, OH | Lakewood, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,582▲ | $65,154 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.49▲ | $31.32 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,816▲ | $44,451 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,041▲ | $53,243 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,750▲ | $79,612 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $89,221 | $100,088▲ |
| Total Employed | 750▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Columbus, OH offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lakewood.
The salary gap between Columbus and Lakewood is $2,428 (3.73%). Columbus's median is -0.82% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $36,405,Lakewood spans $55,637. Lakewood 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, Lakewood ($71,835 effective) pays 1.48% more than Columbus ($70,789 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,582/year)
- ✓Larger job market (750 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Lakewood if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($100,088)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,835)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Columbus grew 36.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.9% growth in Lakewood over the same period.
Columbus, OH
$46,880 (2019) → $64,120 (2025)
Lakewood, OH
$48,731 (2024) → $61,816 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, OH
Lakewood, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Columbus or Lakewood?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Lakewood?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Lakewood as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Columbus vs Lakewood?
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