Highland vs Salt Lake City: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Highland, UT and Salt Lake City, UT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Highland, UT | Salt Lake City, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,911 | $69,237▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.21 | $33.29▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,687 | $48,421▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $58,419▲ | $55,830 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,608 | $81,833▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $89,387 | $94,459▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 470▲ |
Verdict
Salt Lake City, UT offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Highland.
The salary gap between Highland and Salt Lake City is $4,326 (6.66%). Salt Lake City's median is +1.61% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Highland spans $42,700,Salt Lake City spans $46,038. Salt Lake City 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, Salt Lake City ($68,641 effective) pays 3.74% more than Highland ($66,168 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Highland if…
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Choose Salt Lake City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,237/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($94,459)
- ✓Larger job market (470 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,641)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Highland grew 19.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 50.7% growth in Salt Lake City over the same period.
Highland, UT
$51,700 (2024) → $61,585 (2025)
Salt Lake City, UT
$43,590 (2019) → $65,690 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Highland, UT
Salt Lake City, UT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Highland or Salt Lake City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Highland and Salt Lake City?
Should I relocate from Highland to Salt Lake City as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Highland vs Salt Lake City?
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