Houston vs University Park: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Houston, TX and University Park, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | University Park, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $74,887▲ | $62,650 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.00▲ | $30.12 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,485▲ | $45,777 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,342▲ | $53,029 |
| 75th Percentile | $87,187▲ | $76,745 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,782▲ | $90,806 |
| Total Employed | 2,660▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to University Park.
The salary gap between Houston and University Park is $12,237 (19.53%). Houston's median is +9.90% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Houston spans $50,297,University Park spans $45,029. Houston 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, Houston ($75,928 effective) pays 16.35% more than University Park ($65,260 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($74,887/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($99,782)
- ✓Larger job market (2,660 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,928)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose University Park if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Houston grew 31.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.7% growth in University Park over the same period.
Houston, TX
$54,110 (2019) → $71,050 (2025)
University Park, TX
$50,933 (2024) → $59,440 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
University Park, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Houston or University Park?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and University Park?
Should I relocate from Houston to University Park as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Houston vs University Park?
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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