Hattiesburg vs Olive Branch: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Hattiesburg, MS and Olive Branch, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hattiesburg, MS | Olive Branch, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $51,235 | $55,252▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.63 | $26.56▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,832▲ | $40,720 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,213▲ | $47,217 |
| 75th Percentile | $60,816 | $67,824▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,137 | $79,158▲ |
| Total Employed | 210▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Olive Branch, MS offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hattiesburg.
The salary gap between Hattiesburg and Olive Branch is $4,017 (7.84%). Olive Branch's median is -18.92% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hattiesburg spans $24,305,Olive Branch spans $38,438. Olive Branch 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, Olive Branch ($64,471 effective) pays 10.27% more than Hattiesburg ($58,465 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hattiesburg if…
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Olive Branch if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($55,252/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($79,158)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,471)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Hattiesburg grew 31.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 46.9% growth in Olive Branch over the same period.
Hattiesburg, MS
$37,000 (2019) → $48,610 (2025)
Olive Branch, MS
$35,677 (2024) → $52,421 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hattiesburg, MS
Olive Branch, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Hattiesburg or Olive Branch?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hattiesburg and Olive Branch?
Should I relocate from Hattiesburg to Olive Branch as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Hattiesburg vs Olive Branch?
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