Denton vs Houston: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Denton, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denton, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,755 | $74,887▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.61 | $36.00▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,026 | $49,485▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $55,511 | $60,342▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $83,498 | $87,187▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $100,284▲ | $99,782 |
| Total Employed | 33 | 2,660▲ |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Denton.
The salary gap between Denton and Houston is $9,132 (13.89%). Houston's median is +9.90% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Denton spans $53,258,Houston spans $50,297. Denton 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, Houston ($75,928 effective) pays 10.85% more than Denton ($68,495 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Denton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($100,284)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($74,887/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,660 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,928)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Denton grew 16.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.3% growth in Houston over the same period.
Denton, TX
$53,457 (2024) → $62,386 (2025)
Houston, TX
$54,110 (2019) → $71,050 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denton, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Denton or Houston?
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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