Gainesville vs Orlando: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Gainesville, FL and Orlando, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gainesville, FL | Orlando, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,563▲ | $65,063 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.00▲ | $31.28 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,307▲ | $42,107 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,454▲ | $53,796 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,278▲ | $74,233 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $98,530▲ | $83,350 |
| Total Employed | 22 | 1,490▲ |
Verdict
Gainesville, FL offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Orlando.
The salary gap between Gainesville and Orlando is $1,500 (2.31%). Gainesville's median is -2.32% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gainesville spans $53,223,Orlando spans $41,243. Gainesville 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, Gainesville ($66,035 effective) pays 2.93% more than Orlando ($64,153 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gainesville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,563/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($98,530)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,035)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Orlando if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,490 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Gainesville grew 17.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.3% growth in Orlando over the same period.
Gainesville, FL
$53,603 (2024) → $63,153 (2025)
Orlando, FL
$46,320 (2019) → $61,730 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gainesville, FL
Orlando, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Gainesville or Orlando?
What is the hourly rate difference between Gainesville and Orlando?
Should I relocate from Gainesville to Orlando as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Gainesville vs Orlando?
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