Jackson vs Lansing: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Jackson, MI and Lansing, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jackson, MI | Lansing, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,806 | $66,729▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.64 | $32.08▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,275▲ | $39,525 |
| 25th Percentile | $55,538▲ | $48,937 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,683 | $80,536▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $93,166▲ | $85,184 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 190▲ |
Verdict
Lansing, MI offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Jackson.
The salary gap between Jackson and Lansing is $923 (1.40%). Lansing's median is -2.07% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jackson spans $45,891,Lansing spans $45,659. Jackson 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, Jackson ($70,607 effective) pays 0.51% more than Lansing ($70,248 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jackson if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($93,166)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,607)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Lansing if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,729/year)
- ✓Larger job market (190 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Jackson grew 21.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.4% growth in Lansing over the same period.
Jackson, MI
$51,471 (2024) → $62,435 (2025)
Lansing, MI
$47,830 (2019) → $63,310 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jackson, MI
Lansing, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
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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