Copperas Cove vs San Antonio: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Copperas Cove, TX and San Antonio, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Copperas Cove, TX | San Antonio, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,931▲ | $49,348 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.73▲ | $23.73 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,361▲ | $42,107 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,871▲ | $46,102 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,709▲ | $77,722 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $94,232▲ | $82,992 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 1,390▲ |
Verdict
Copperas Cove, TX offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Antonio.
The salary gap between Copperas Cove and San Antonio is $14,583 (29.55%). Copperas Cove's median is -6.18% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Copperas Cove spans $44,871,San Antonio spans $40,885. Copperas Cove 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, Copperas Cove ($66,595 effective) pays 27.82% more than San Antonio ($52,101 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Copperas Cove if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,931/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($94,232)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,595)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose San Antonio if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,390 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Copperas Cove grew 16.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.0% growth in San Antonio over the same period.
Copperas Cove, TX
$51,974 (2024) → $60,656 (2025)
San Antonio, TX
$38,080 (2019) → $46,820 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Copperas Cove, TX
San Antonio, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Copperas Cove or San Antonio?
What is the hourly rate difference between Copperas Cove and San Antonio?
Should I relocate from Copperas Cove to San Antonio as a surgical technologist?
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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