Jacksonville vs Winston: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Jacksonville, NC and Winston, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jacksonville, NC | Winston, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,515▲ | $64,210 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.02▲ | $30.87 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,055▲ | $42,466 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,501▲ | $52,099 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,199▲ | $70,154 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $93,956▲ | $78,586 |
| Total Employed | 17 | 480▲ |
Verdict
Jacksonville, NC offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Winston.
The salary gap between Jacksonville and Winston is $305 (0.48%). Jacksonville's median is -5.32% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jacksonville spans $48,901,Winston spans $36,120. Jacksonville 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, Winston ($69,761 effective) pays 1.21% more than Jacksonville ($68,926 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jacksonville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,515/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($93,956)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Winston if…
- ✓Larger job market (480 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,761)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Jacksonville grew 20.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 43.5% growth in Winston over the same period.
Jacksonville, NC
$50,793 (2024) → $61,210 (2025)
Winston, NC
$42,460 (2019) → $60,920 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jacksonville, NC
Winston, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Jacksonville or Winston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jacksonville and Winston?
Should I relocate from Jacksonville to Winston as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Jacksonville vs Winston?
Related Comparisons
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