Erie vs Pittsburgh: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Erie, PA and Pittsburgh, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Erie, PA | Pittsburgh, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,704 | $65,738▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.63 | $31.61▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,275▲ | $41,833 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,023 | $52,278▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $66,434 | $70,028▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,154 | $83,024▲ |
| Total Employed | 100 | 890▲ |
Verdict
Pittsburgh, PA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Erie.
The salary gap between Erie and Pittsburgh is $2,034 (3.19%). Pittsburgh's median is -3.53% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Erie spans $28,879,Pittsburgh spans $41,191. Pittsburgh 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, Erie ($70,043 effective) pays 0.87% more than Pittsburgh ($69,438 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Erie if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,043)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Pittsburgh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,738/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,024)
- ✓Larger job market (890 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Erie grew 50.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 40.0% growth in Pittsburgh over the same period.
Erie, PA
$40,080 (2019) → $60,440 (2025)
Pittsburgh, PA
$44,560 (2019) → $62,370 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pittsburgh, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Erie or Pittsburgh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Erie and Pittsburgh?
Should I relocate from Erie to Pittsburgh as a surgical technologist?
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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