Decatur vs Huntsville: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Decatur, AL and Huntsville, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Decatur, AL | Huntsville, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,547 | $54,502▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.35 | $26.20▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,977▲ | $38,460 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,841 | $42,055▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $53,606 | $64,642▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $64,031 | $79,893▲ |
| Total Employed | 50 | 450▲ |
Verdict
Huntsville, AL offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Decatur.
The salary gap between Decatur and Huntsville is $5,955 (12.27%). Huntsville's median is -20.02% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Decatur spans $25,054,Huntsville spans $41,433. Huntsville 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, Huntsville ($58,559 effective) pays 5.20% more than Decatur ($55,666 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Decatur if…
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Huntsville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($54,502/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($79,893)
- ✓Larger job market (450 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $58,559)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Decatur grew 10.2% from 2023 to 2025, compared to 16.9% growth in Huntsville over the same period.
Decatur, AL
$41,790 (2023) → $46,060 (2025)
Huntsville, AL
$44,240 (2019) → $51,710 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Decatur, AL
Huntsville, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Decatur or Huntsville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Decatur and Huntsville?
Should I relocate from Decatur to Huntsville as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Decatur vs Huntsville?
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