Greenville vs Sumter: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Greenville, SC and Sumter, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Greenville, SC | Sumter, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,455▲ | $63,047 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.95▲ | $30.31 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,240▲ | $47,131 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,506▲ | $54,371 |
| 75th Percentile | $68,468 | $77,870▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,068 | $93,339▲ |
| Total Employed | 510▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Greenville, SC offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sumter.
The salary gap between Greenville and Sumter is $3,408 (5.41%). 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,Sumter spans $46,208. Sumter 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 3.42% more than Sumter ($68,904 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 Sumter if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($93,339)
- ✓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 34.9% growth in Sumter over the same period.
Greenville, SC
$40,720 (2019) → $63,050 (2025)
Sumter, SC
$44,340 (2021) → $59,817 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Greenville, SC
Sumter, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Greenville or Sumter?
What is the hourly rate difference between Greenville and Sumter?
Should I relocate from Greenville to Sumter as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Greenville vs Sumter?
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