Detroit vs Saginaw: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Detroit, MI and Saginaw, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Detroit, MI | Saginaw, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,364▲ | $57,411 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.35▲ | $27.60 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,116▲ | $42,792 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,742▲ | $53,027 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,254▲ | $63,092 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,645▲ | $68,679 |
| Total Employed | 1,670▲ | 90 |
Verdict
Detroit, MI offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Saginaw.
The salary gap between Detroit and Saginaw is $11,953 (20.82%). Detroit's median is +1.79% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Detroit spans $34,529,Saginaw spans $25,887. Detroit 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, Detroit ($69,158 effective) pays 9.49% more than Saginaw ($63,165 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Detroit if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,364/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,645)
- ✓Larger job market (1,670 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,158)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Saginaw if…
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Detroit grew 48.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.1% growth in Saginaw over the same period.
Detroit, MI
$44,340 (2019) → $65,810 (2025)
Saginaw, MI
$45,360 (2019) → $54,470 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Detroit, MI
Saginaw, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Detroit or Saginaw?
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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