Elizabethtown vs Louisville/Jefferson County: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Elizabethtown, KY and Louisville/Jefferson County, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elizabethtown, KY | Louisville/Jefferson County, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,466 | $67,024▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.58 | $32.22▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,005 | $51,973▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,520 | $65,285▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $70,500 | $82,117▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $88,748 | $95,440▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 540▲ |
Verdict
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Elizabethtown.
The salary gap between Elizabethtown and Louisville/Jefferson County is $7,558 (12.71%). Louisville/Jefferson County's median is -1.64% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elizabethtown spans $46,743,Louisville/Jefferson County spans $43,467. Elizabethtown 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, Louisville/Jefferson County ($72,012 effective) pays 8.14% more than Elizabethtown ($66,591 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Elizabethtown if…
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Louisville/Jefferson County if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,024/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($95,440)
- ✓Larger job market (540 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,012)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Elizabethtown grew 29.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 43.0% growth in Louisville/Jefferson County over the same period.
Elizabethtown, KY
$43,634 (2024) → $56,419 (2025)
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
$44,460 (2019) → $63,590 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Elizabethtown, KY
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Elizabethtown or Louisville/Jefferson County?
What is the hourly rate difference between Elizabethtown and Louisville/Jefferson County?
Should I relocate from Elizabethtown to Louisville/Jefferson County as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Elizabethtown vs Louisville/Jefferson County?
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