Dallas vs Austin: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Dallas, TX and Austin, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dallas, TX | Austin, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,309▲ | $77,796 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.54▲ | $37.40 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,692 | $51,172▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $65,496 | $66,370▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $88,863▲ | $85,279 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,616▲ | $100,193 |
| Total Employed | 2,790▲ | 700 |
Verdict
Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Austin.
The salary gap between Dallas and Austin is $6,513 (8.37%). Dallas's median is +23.73% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dallas spans $54,924,Austin spans $49,021. Dallas 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, Dallas ($81,782 effective) pays 3.09% more than Austin ($79,330 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dallas if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,309/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,616)
- ✓Larger job market (2,790 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $81,782)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Austin if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Dallas grew 57.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 46.2% growth in Austin over the same period.
Dallas, TX
$50,650 (2019) → $79,990 (2025)
Austin, TX
$50,480 (2019) → $73,810 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dallas, TX
Austin, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Dallas or Austin?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Austin?
Should I relocate from Dallas to Austin as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Dallas vs Austin?
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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