Henderson vs Lexington: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Henderson, KY and Lexington, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Henderson, KY | Lexington, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,508 | $65,211▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.61 | $31.36▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,918 | $51,108▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,911 | $54,787▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $70,556▲ | $69,501 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $89,042▲ | $85,838 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 270▲ |
Verdict
Lexington, KY offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Henderson.
The salary gap between Henderson and Lexington is $5,703 (9.58%). Lexington's median is -4.30% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Henderson spans $47,124,Lexington spans $34,730. Henderson 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, Lexington ($70,203 effective) pays 5.35% more than Henderson ($66,638 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Henderson if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($89,042)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,211/year)
- ✓Larger job market (270 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,203)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Henderson grew 29.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 42.9% growth in Lexington over the same period.
Henderson, KY
$43,666 (2024) → $56,459 (2025)
Lexington, KY
$43,310 (2019) → $61,870 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Henderson, KY
Lexington, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Henderson or Lexington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Henderson and Lexington?
Should I relocate from Henderson to Lexington as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Henderson vs Lexington?
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