Fayetteville vs Raleigh: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Fayetteville, NC and Raleigh, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fayetteville, NC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,206▲ | $64,800 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.27▲ | $31.16 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,853 | $51,878▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $52,721 | $61,385▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $69,206 | $78,565▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $75,814 | $81,643▲ |
| Total Employed | 100 | 560▲ |
Verdict
Fayetteville and Raleigh are closely matched on overall surgical technologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Raleigh is $4,406 (6.80%). Fayetteville's median is +1.56% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fayetteville spans $26,961,Raleigh spans $29,765. Raleigh 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, Fayetteville ($75,242 effective) pays 13.97% more than Raleigh ($66,017 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fayetteville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,206/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,242)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($81,643)
- ✓Larger job market (560 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Fayetteville grew 41.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.2% growth in Raleigh over the same period.
Fayetteville, NC
$46,410 (2019) → $65,660 (2025)
Raleigh, NC
$50,710 (2019) → $61,480 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, NC
Raleigh, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Fayetteville or Raleigh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fayetteville and Raleigh?
Should I relocate from Fayetteville to Raleigh as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Fayetteville vs Raleigh?
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