Columbus vs Youngstown: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Columbus, OH and Youngstown, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, OH | Youngstown, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,582▲ | $61,111 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.49▲ | $29.37 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,816▲ | $36,637 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,041▲ | $52,742 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,750▲ | $64,326 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $89,221▲ | $78,734 |
| Total Employed | 750▲ | 120 |
Verdict
Columbus, OH offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Youngstown.
The salary gap between Columbus and Youngstown is $6,471 (10.59%). 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,Youngstown spans $42,097. Youngstown 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, Columbus ($70,789 effective) pays 1.24% more than Youngstown ($69,926 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)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($89,221)
- ✓Larger job market (750 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,789)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Youngstown if…
- ✓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 47.3% growth in Youngstown over the same period.
Columbus, OH
$46,880 (2019) → $64,120 (2025)
Youngstown, OH
$39,370 (2019) → $57,980 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, OH
Youngstown, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Columbus or Youngstown?
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Should I relocate from Columbus to Youngstown as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Columbus vs Youngstown?
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