Elmira vs Rochester: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Elmira, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elmira, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,565▲ | $64,062 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.44▲ | $30.80 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,315▲ | $42,550 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,484▲ | $54,713 |
| 75th Percentile | $84,032▲ | $68,025 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,545▲ | $78,544 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 340▲ |
Verdict
Elmira, NY offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Elmira and Rochester is $5,503 (8.59%). Elmira's median is +2.09% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elmira spans $48,230,Rochester spans $35,994. Elmira 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, Rochester ($66,019 effective) pays 9.99% more than Elmira ($60,022 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Elmira if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,565/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($99,545)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Larger job market (340 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,019)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Elmira grew 26.5% from 2022 to 2025, compared to 36.5% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Elmira, NY
$52,190 (2022) → $66,001 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$44,540 (2019) → $60,780 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Elmira, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Elmira or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Elmira and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Elmira to Rochester as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Elmira vs Rochester?
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