Federal Way vs Seattle: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Federal Way, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Federal Way, WA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,785 | $84,215▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $36.91 | $40.48▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,510 | $62,460▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $64,516 | $66,117▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $95,495 | $105,084▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $116,580▲ | $110,364 |
| Total Employed | 22 | 1,460▲ |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Federal Way.
The salary gap between Federal Way and Seattle is $7,430 (9.68%). Seattle's median is +23.59% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Federal Way spans $62,070,Seattle spans $47,904. Federal Way 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, Seattle ($75,779 effective) pays 5.99% more than Federal Way ($71,494 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Federal Way if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($116,580)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,215/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,460 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,779)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Federal Way grew -4.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.5% growth in Seattle over the same period.
Federal Way, WA
$76,630 (2024) → $72,851 (2025)
Seattle, WA
$60,280 (2019) → $79,900 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Federal Way, WA
Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Federal Way or Seattle?
What is the hourly rate difference between Federal Way and Seattle?
Should I relocate from Federal Way to Seattle as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Federal Way vs Seattle?
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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