Hagerstown vs Laurel: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Hagerstown, MD and Laurel, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hagerstown, MD | Laurel, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,003 | $70,750▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.36 | $34.01▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,402 | $52,600▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $56,568 | $60,800▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $68,162 | $87,283▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,895 | $104,227▲ |
| Total Employed | 60▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Laurel, MD offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hagerstown.
The salary gap between Hagerstown and Laurel is $11,747 (19.91%). Laurel's median is +3.83% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hagerstown spans $38,493,Laurel spans $51,627. Laurel 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, Laurel ($64,730 effective) pays 3.31% more than Hagerstown ($62,655 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hagerstown if…
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Laurel if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($70,750/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($104,227)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,730)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Hagerstown grew 39.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.7% growth in Laurel over the same period.
Hagerstown, MD
$40,060 (2019) → $55,980 (2025)
Laurel, MD
$62,297 (2024) → $67,125 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hagerstown, MD
Laurel, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Hagerstown or Laurel?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hagerstown and Laurel?
Should I relocate from Hagerstown to Laurel as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Hagerstown vs Laurel?
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