Gaithersburg vs Salisbury: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Gaithersburg, MD and Salisbury, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gaithersburg, MD | Salisbury, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $75,022▲ | $61,322 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.07▲ | $29.48 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,681▲ | $50,033 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,431▲ | $57,622 |
| 75th Percentile | $92,908▲ | $61,933 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $109,425▲ | $77,933 |
| Total Employed | 14 | 80▲ |
Verdict
Gaithersburg, MD offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Salisbury.
The salary gap between Gaithersburg and Salisbury is $13,700 (22.34%). 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,Salisbury spans $27,900. 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 7.03% more than Salisbury ($64,133 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 Salisbury if…
- ✓Larger job market (80 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 37.3% growth in Salisbury over the same period.
Gaithersburg, MD
$66,059 (2024) → $71,178 (2025)
Salisbury, MD
$42,360 (2019) → $58,180 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gaithersburg, MD
Salisbury, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Gaithersburg or Salisbury?
What is the hourly rate difference between Gaithersburg and Salisbury?
Should I relocate from Gaithersburg to Salisbury as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Gaithersburg vs Salisbury?
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