Gaithersburg vs Hagerstown: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Gaithersburg, MD and Hagerstown, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gaithersburg, MD | Hagerstown, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $75,022▲ | $59,003 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.07▲ | $28.36 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,681▲ | $42,402 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,431▲ | $56,568 |
| 75th Percentile | $92,908▲ | $68,162 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $109,425▲ | $80,895 |
| Total Employed | 14 | 60▲ |
Verdict
Gaithersburg, MD offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hagerstown.
The salary gap between Gaithersburg and Hagerstown is $16,019 (27.15%). Gaithersburg's median is +10.10% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gaithersburg spans $56,744,Hagerstown spans $38,493. Gaithersburg 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, Gaithersburg ($68,639 effective) pays 9.55% more than Hagerstown ($62,655 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gaithersburg if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($75,022/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($109,425)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,639)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Hagerstown if…
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Gaithersburg grew 7.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 39.7% growth in Hagerstown over the same period.
Gaithersburg, MD
$66,059 (2024) → $71,178 (2025)
Hagerstown, MD
$40,060 (2019) → $55,980 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gaithersburg, MD
Hagerstown, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Gaithersburg or Hagerstown?
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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