Gilbert vs Tucson: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Gilbert, AZ and Tucson, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gilbert, AZ | Tucson, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,820▲ | $67,994 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.09▲ | $32.68 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,898 | $50,076▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $58,149 | $62,544▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $88,089▲ | $85,248 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $106,671▲ | $85,248 |
| Total Employed | 49 | 340▲ |
Verdict
Gilbert, AZ offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tucson.
The salary gap between Gilbert and Tucson is $826 (1.21%). Gilbert's median is +1.00% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gilbert spans $57,773,Tucson spans $35,172. Gilbert 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, Tucson ($70,172 effective) pays 0.44% more than Gilbert ($69,868 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gilbert if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,820/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($106,671)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Tucson if…
- ✓Larger job market (340 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,172)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Gilbert grew 11.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.8% growth in Tucson over the same period.
Gilbert, AZ
$58,578 (2024) → $65,294 (2025)
Tucson, AZ
$48,950 (2019) → $64,510 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gilbert, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Gilbert or Tucson?
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Should I relocate from Gilbert to Tucson as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Gilbert vs Tucson?
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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