Lansing vs Traverse City: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Lansing, MI and Traverse City, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lansing, MI | Traverse City, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,729▲ | $66,644 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.08▲ | $32.04 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,525 | $55,556▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $48,937 | $56,041▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $80,536▲ | $69,712 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $85,184▲ | $77,458 |
| Total Employed | 190▲ | 60 |
Verdict
Lansing, MI offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Traverse City.
The salary gap between Lansing and Traverse City is $85 (0.13%). Lansing's median is -2.07% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lansing spans $45,659,Traverse City spans $21,902. Lansing 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, Traverse City ($71,375 effective) pays 1.60% more than Lansing ($70,248 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lansing if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,729/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($85,184)
- ✓Larger job market (190 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Traverse City if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,375)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Lansing grew 32.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 3.2% growth in Traverse City over the same period.
Lansing, MI
$47,830 (2019) → $63,310 (2025)
Traverse City, MI
$61,270 (2024) → $63,230 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lansing, MI
Traverse City, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Lansing or Traverse City?
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Should I relocate from Lansing to Traverse City as a surgical technologist?
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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