Eugene vs Tualatin: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Eugene, OR and Tualatin, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Eugene, OR | Tualatin, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,487▲ | $67,167 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.14▲ | $32.29 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,452▲ | $51,097 |
| 25th Percentile | $69,016▲ | $58,631 |
| 75th Percentile | $89,590▲ | $79,727 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $110,090▲ | $100,398 |
| Total Employed | 110▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Eugene, OR offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Tualatin.
The salary gap between Eugene and Tualatin is $16,320 (24.30%). Eugene's median is +22.52% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Eugene spans $45,638,Tualatin spans $49,301. Tualatin 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, Eugene ($82,198 effective) pays 25.56% more than Tualatin ($65,465 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Eugene if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($83,487/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($110,090)
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,198)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Tualatin if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Eugene grew 56.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -4.9% growth in Tualatin over the same period.
Eugene, OR
$50,510 (2019) → $79,210 (2025)
Tualatin, OR
$67,028 (2024) → $63,726 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Eugene, OR
Tualatin, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Eugene or Tualatin?
What is the hourly rate difference between Eugene and Tualatin?
Should I relocate from Eugene to Tualatin as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Eugene vs Tualatin?
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