Joplin vs Springfield: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Joplin, MO and Springfield, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Joplin, MO | Springfield, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,815 | $64,420▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.75 | $30.98▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,587▲ | $37,881 |
| 25th Percentile | $55,967▲ | $54,376 |
| 75th Percentile | $66,655 | $77,037▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $81,569 | $84,320▲ |
| Total Employed | 100 | 320▲ |
Verdict
Springfield, MO offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Joplin.
The salary gap between Joplin and Springfield is $4,605 (7.70%). Springfield's median is -5.46% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Joplin spans $34,982,Springfield spans $46,439. Springfield 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, Springfield ($72,721 effective) pays 4.21% more than Joplin ($69,781 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Joplin if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,420/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,320)
- ✓Larger job market (320 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,721)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Joplin grew 44.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 48.2% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Joplin, MO
$39,180 (2019) → $56,750 (2025)
Springfield, MO
$41,230 (2019) → $61,120 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Joplin, MO
Springfield, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Joplin or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Joplin and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Joplin to Springfield as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Joplin vs Springfield?
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