Elizabeth vs Newark: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Elizabeth, NJ and Newark, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elizabeth, NJ | Newark, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,218 | $88,793▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.08 | $42.69▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,156▲ | $57,217 |
| 25th Percentile | $68,254 | $75,646▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $100,248 | $113,655▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $122,787 | $137,629▲ |
| Total Employed | 25 | 61▲ |
Verdict
Newark, NJ offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Elizabeth.
The salary gap between Elizabeth and Newark is $9,575 (12.09%). Newark's median is +30.31% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elizabeth spans $64,631,Newark spans $80,412. Newark 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, Newark ($77,077 effective) pays 12.09% more than Elizabeth ($68,766 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Elizabeth if…
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Newark if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($88,793/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($137,629)
- ✓Larger job market (61 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,077)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Elizabeth grew 4.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 12.2% growth in Newark over the same period.
Elizabeth, NJ
$72,078 (2024) → $75,159 (2025)
Newark, NJ
$75,106 (2024) → $84,244 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Elizabeth, NJ
Newark, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Elizabeth or Newark?
What is the hourly rate difference between Elizabeth and Newark?
Should I relocate from Elizabeth to Newark as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Elizabeth vs Newark?
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