Iowa City vs Urbandale: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Iowa City, IA and Urbandale, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Iowa City, IA | Urbandale, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,112▲ | $60,629 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.86▲ | $29.15 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,195▲ | $45,579 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,195▲ | $52,522 |
| 75th Percentile | $67,445 | $73,852▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $67,445 | $87,840▲ |
| Total Employed | 120▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Iowa City, IA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Urbandale.
The salary gap between Iowa City and Urbandale is $1,483 (2.45%). Iowa City's median is -8.85% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Iowa City spans $14,250,Urbandale spans $42,261. Urbandale 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, Iowa City ($67,875 effective) pays 1.20% more than Urbandale ($67,067 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Iowa City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,112/year)
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,875)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Urbandale if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($87,840)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Iowa City grew 19.0% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 18.9% growth in Urbandale over the same period.
Iowa City, IA
$49,540 (2020) → $58,930 (2025)
Urbandale, IA
$48,369 (2024) → $57,523 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Iowa City, IA
Urbandale, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Iowa City or Urbandale?
What is the hourly rate difference between Iowa City and Urbandale?
Should I relocate from Iowa City to Urbandale as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Iowa City vs Urbandale?
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