Hays vs Wichita: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Hays, KS and Wichita, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hays, KS | Wichita, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,993▲ | $56,863 |
| Hourly Rate | $27.88▲ | $27.34 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,079 | $47,356▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,826 | $52,995▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $70,285▲ | $65,590 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,626▲ | $68,921 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 300▲ |
Verdict
Hays, KS offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wichita.
The salary gap between Hays and Wichita is $1,130 (1.99%). Hays's median is -14.89% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hays spans $36,547,Wichita spans $21,565. Hays has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Wichita ($63,930 effective) pays 0.21% more than Hays ($63,799 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hays if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($57,993/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,626)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Wichita if…
- ✓Larger job market (300 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,930)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Hays grew 24.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 40.0% growth in Wichita over the same period.
Hays, KS
$44,256 (2024) → $55,022 (2025)
Wichita, KS
$38,530 (2019) → $53,950 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Wichita, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Hays or Wichita?
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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