Dover vs Middletown: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Dover, DE and Middletown, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dover, DE | Middletown, DE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,328▲ | $55,314 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.52▲ | $26.59 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,571▲ | $41,058 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,724▲ | $47,285 |
| 75th Percentile | $71,375▲ | $66,152 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,417▲ | $77,578 |
| Total Employed | 7▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Dover, DE offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Middletown.
The salary gap between Dover and Middletown is $4,014 (7.26%). Dover's median is -12.93% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dover spans $42,846,Middletown spans $36,520. Dover 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, Dover ($58,336 effective) pays 7.26% more than Middletown ($54,389 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dover if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,328/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,417)
- ✓Larger job market (7 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $58,336)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Choose Middletown if…
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Dover grew 10.6% from 2022 to 2025, compared to -3.7% growth in Middletown over the same period.
Dover, DE
$50,880 (2022) → $56,288 (2025)
Middletown, DE
$54,500 (2024) → $52,480 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Middletown, DE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Dover or Middletown?
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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