Hempstead vs Rochester: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Hempstead, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hempstead, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $70,958▲ | $64,062 |
| Hourly Rate | $34.12▲ | $30.80 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,418▲ | $42,550 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,710▲ | $54,713 |
| 75th Percentile | $88,427▲ | $68,025 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,370▲ | $78,544 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 340▲ |
Verdict
Hempstead, NY offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Hempstead and Rochester is $6,896 (10.76%). Hempstead's median is +4.13% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hempstead spans $56,952,Rochester spans $35,994. Hempstead 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, Rochester ($66,019 effective) pays 7.83% more than Hempstead ($61,223 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hempstead if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($70,958/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($107,370)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Larger job market (340 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,019)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Hempstead grew -6.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 36.5% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Hempstead, NY
$71,616 (2024) → $67,323 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$44,540 (2019) → $60,780 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hempstead, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Hempstead or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hempstead and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Hempstead to Rochester as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Hempstead vs Rochester?
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