Fort Dodge vs Iowa City: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Fort Dodge, IA and Iowa City, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Dodge, IA | Iowa City, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,248 | $62,112▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.00 | $29.86▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,346 | $53,195▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,647 | $53,195▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $70,507▲ | $67,445 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,852▲ | $67,445 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 120▲ |
Verdict
Iowa City, IA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Dodge.
The salary gap between Fort Dodge and Iowa City is $3,864 (6.63%). Iowa City's median is -8.85% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Dodge spans $36,506,Iowa City spans $14,250. Fort Dodge 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, Iowa City ($67,875 effective) pays 5.34% more than Fort Dodge ($64,434 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Dodge if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($80,852)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Iowa City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,112/year)
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,875)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Fort Dodge grew 18.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.0% growth in Iowa City over the same period.
Fort Dodge, IA
$46,469 (2024) → $55,264 (2025)
Iowa City, IA
$49,540 (2020) → $58,930 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Dodge, IA
Iowa City, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Fort Dodge or Iowa City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Dodge and Iowa City?
Should I relocate from Fort Dodge to Iowa City as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Fort Dodge vs Iowa City?
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