Dover vs Nashua: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Dover, NH and Nashua, NH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dover, NH | Nashua, NH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $70,697 | $78,898▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $33.99 | $37.93▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,604▲ | $54,090 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,263 | $64,671▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $84,504 | $96,723▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,695 | $116,316▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 21▲ |
Verdict
Nashua, NH offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Dover.
The salary gap between Dover and Nashua is $8,201 (11.60%). Nashua's median is +15.79% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dover spans $45,091,Nashua spans $62,226. Nashua 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, Nashua ($73,530 effective) pays 11.60% more than Dover ($65,887 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dover if…
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Choose Nashua if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($78,898/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($116,316)
- ✓Larger job market (21 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,530)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Dover grew 33.1% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 16.6% growth in Nashua over the same period.
Dover, NH
$50,400 (2020) → $67,075 (2025)
Nashua, NH
$64,187 (2024) → $74,856 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Nashua, NH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Dover or Nashua?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dover and Nashua?
Should I relocate from Dover to Nashua as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Dover vs Nashua?
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