Lake Havasu City vs Nogales: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Lake Havasu City, AZ and Nogales, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lake Havasu City, AZ | Nogales, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,893▲ | $63,225 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.72▲ | $30.40 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,574 | $45,510▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,364▲ | $56,978 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,485▲ | $74,713 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $110,101▲ | $86,990 |
| Total Employed | 50▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Lake Havasu City, AZ offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Nogales.
The salary gap between Lake Havasu City and Nogales is $668 (1.06%). Lake Havasu City's median is -6.23% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lake Havasu City spans $73,527,Nogales spans $41,480. Lake Havasu City 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, Lake Havasu City ($67,900 effective) pays 5.78% more than Nogales ($64,188 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lake Havasu City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,893/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($110,101)
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,900)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Nogales if…
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Lake Havasu City grew 29.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.5% growth in Nogales over the same period.
Lake Havasu City, AZ
$46,760 (2019) → $60,620 (2025)
Nogales, AZ
$53,816 (2024) → $59,986 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lake Havasu City, AZ
Nogales, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Lake Havasu City or Nogales?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lake Havasu City and Nogales?
Should I relocate from Lake Havasu City to Nogales as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Lake Havasu City vs Nogales?
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