Kennewick vs Tukwila: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Kennewick, WA and Tukwila, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kennewick, WA | Tukwila, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,050▲ | $71,620 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.01▲ | $34.43 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,085▲ | $55,434 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,212▲ | $61,260 |
| 75th Percentile | $89,295▲ | $85,687 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,384▲ | $100,501 |
| Total Employed | 110▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Kennewick, WA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Tukwila.
The salary gap between Kennewick and Tukwila is $7,430 (10.37%). Kennewick's median is +16.01% 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,Tukwila spans $45,067. Tukwila 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 18.45% more than Tukwila ($66,685 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kennewick if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($79,050/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,384)
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $78,988)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Tukwila if…
- ✓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 -4.9% growth in Tukwila over the same period.
Kennewick, WA
$53,130 (2019) → $75,000 (2025)
Tukwila, WA
$71,476 (2024) → $67,951 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kennewick, WA
Tukwila, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Kennewick or Tukwila?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kennewick and Tukwila?
Should I relocate from Kennewick to Tukwila as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Kennewick vs Tukwila?
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