Grand Rapids vs Marquette: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Grand Rapids, MI and Marquette, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Grand Rapids, MI | Marquette, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,119▲ | $64,268 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.27▲ | $30.89 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,337 | $48,509▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $53,417 | $55,728▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $82,939▲ | $76,238 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,434▲ | $89,130 |
| Total Employed | 600▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Grand Rapids, MI offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Marquette.
The salary gap between Grand Rapids and Marquette is $2,851 (4.44%). Grand Rapids's median is -1.50% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Rapids spans $59,097,Marquette spans $40,621. Grand Rapids 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, Grand Rapids ($70,248 effective) pays 1.87% more than Marquette ($68,957 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Grand Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,119/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($99,434)
- ✓Larger job market (600 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,248)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Marquette if…
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Grand Rapids grew 48.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.3% growth in Marquette over the same period.
Grand Rapids, MI
$42,930 (2019) → $63,680 (2025)
Marquette, MI
$50,267 (2024) → $60,975 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Rapids, MI
Marquette, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
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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