Kennewick vs Richland: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Kennewick, WA and Richland, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kennewick, WA | Richland, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,050 | $80,697▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.01 | $38.80▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,085 | $57,100▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $66,212 | $67,479▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $89,295 | $98,496▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,384 | $118,246▲ |
| Total Employed | 110▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Richland, WA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kennewick.
The salary gap between Kennewick and Richland is $1,647 (2.08%). Richland's median is +18.43% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kennewick spans $44,299,Richland spans $61,146. Richland 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, Kennewick ($78,988 effective) pays 5.12% more than Richland ($75,137 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kennewick if…
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $78,988)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Richland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($80,697/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($118,246)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Kennewick grew 41.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -2.0% growth in Richland over the same period.
Kennewick, WA
$53,130 (2019) → $75,000 (2025)
Richland, WA
$78,150 (2024) → $76,563 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kennewick, WA
Richland, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Kennewick or Richland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kennewick and Richland?
Should I relocate from Kennewick to Richland as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Kennewick vs Richland?
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