Greenville vs North Charleston: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Greenville, SC and North Charleston, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Greenville, SC | North Charleston, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,455▲ | $64,502 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.95▲ | $31.01 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,240▲ | $42,690 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,506▲ | $55,876 |
| 75th Percentile | $68,468 | $79,448▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,068 | $96,636▲ |
| Total Employed | 510▲ | 22 |
Verdict
Greenville, SC offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to North Charleston.
The salary gap between Greenville and North Charleston is $1,953 (3.03%). Greenville's median is -2.47% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Greenville spans $21,828,North Charleston spans $53,946. North Charleston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced surgical technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Greenville ($71,258 effective) pays 1.08% more than North Charleston ($70,494 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Greenville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,455/year)
- ✓Larger job market (510 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,258)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose North Charleston if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,636)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Greenville grew 54.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 29.7% growth in North Charleston over the same period.
Greenville, SC
$40,720 (2019) → $63,050 (2025)
North Charleston, SC
$47,193 (2024) → $61,197 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Greenville, SC
North Charleston, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Greenville or North Charleston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Greenville and North Charleston?
Should I relocate from Greenville to North Charleston as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Greenville vs North Charleston?
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