Fort Collins vs Thornton: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Fort Collins, CO and Thornton, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Collins, CO | Thornton, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $71,588 | $82,368▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $34.41 | $39.60▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,004 | $55,176▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $64,494 | $66,710▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $83,635 | $105,009▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $90,792 | $127,670▲ |
| Total Employed | N/A | 34 |
Verdict
Thornton, CO offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Collins.
The salary gap between Fort Collins and Thornton is $10,780 (15.06%). Thornton's median is +20.88% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Collins spans $38,788,Thornton spans $72,494. Thornton 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, Thornton ($78,446 effective) pays 10.82% more than Fort Collins ($70,789 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Thornton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($82,368/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($127,670)
- ✓Larger job market (34 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $78,446)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Fort Collins grew 22.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.2% growth in Thornton over the same period.
Fort Collins, CO
$55,490 (2019) → $67,920 (2025)
Thornton, CO
$66,122 (2024) → $78,148 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Collins, CO
Thornton, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Fort Collins or Thornton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Collins and Thornton?
Should I relocate from Fort Collins to Thornton as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Fort Collins vs Thornton?
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