Hartford vs Shelton: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Hartford, CT and Shelton, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hartford, CT | Shelton, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $88,093▲ | $84,569 |
| Hourly Rate | $42.35▲ | $40.66 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,240▲ | $61,668 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,844▲ | $71,785 |
| 75th Percentile | $103,998▲ | $103,340 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $110,586 | $120,385▲ |
| Total Employed | 380▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Hartford, CT offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Shelton.
The salary gap between Hartford and Shelton is $3,524 (4.17%). Hartford's median is +29.28% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hartford spans $47,346,Shelton spans $58,717. Shelton 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, Hartford ($85,739 effective) pays 9.39% more than Shelton ($78,377 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hartford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($88,093/year)
- ✓Larger job market (380 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $85,739)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose Shelton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($120,385)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Hartford grew 42.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.4% growth in Shelton over the same period.
Hartford, CT
$58,620 (2019) → $83,580 (2025)
Shelton, CT
$68,370 (2024) → $80,236 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hartford, CT
Shelton, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Hartford or Shelton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hartford and Shelton?
Should I relocate from Hartford to Shelton as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Hartford vs Shelton?
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