Dallas vs San Marcos: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Dallas, TX and San Marcos, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dallas, TX | San Marcos, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,309▲ | $79,610 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.54▲ | $38.27 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,692 | $56,320▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $65,496 | $66,806▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $88,863 | $97,283▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,616 | $117,250▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,790▲ | 13 |
Verdict
Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Marcos.
The salary gap between Dallas and San Marcos is $4,699 (5.90%). 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,San Marcos spans $60,930. San Marcos 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, San Marcos ($82,927 effective) pays 1.40% more than Dallas ($81,782 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)
- ✓Larger job market (2,790 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose San Marcos if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($117,250)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,927)
- ✓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 38.7% growth in San Marcos over the same period.
Dallas, TX
$50,650 (2019) → $79,990 (2025)
San Marcos, TX
$54,464 (2024) → $75,531 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dallas, TX
San Marcos, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Dallas or San Marcos?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and San Marcos?
Should I relocate from Dallas to San Marcos as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Dallas vs San Marcos?
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