Laramie vs Rock Springs: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Laramie, WY and Rock Springs, WY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Laramie, WY | Rock Springs, WY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,520▲ | $61,346 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.02▲ | $29.49 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,589 | $47,222▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $54,628▲ | $53,717 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,315▲ | $74,611 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,624▲ | $87,828 |
| Total Employed | 9▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Laramie, WY offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Rock Springs.
The salary gap between Laramie and Rock Springs is $3,174 (5.17%). Laramie's median is -5.31% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Laramie spans $45,035,Rock Springs spans $40,606. Laramie 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, Laramie ($67,349 effective) pays 5.17% more than Rock Springs ($64,035 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Laramie if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,520/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,624)
- ✓Larger job market (9 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,349)
- ✓You prefer the Wyoming area and lifestyle
Choose Rock Springs if…
- ✓You prefer the Wyoming area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Laramie grew 15.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.4% growth in Rock Springs over the same period.
Laramie, WY
$53,023 (2024) → $61,214 (2025)
Rock Springs, WY
$50,415 (2024) → $58,203 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Laramie, WY
Rock Springs, WY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Laramie or Rock Springs?
What is the hourly rate difference between Laramie and Rock Springs?
Should I relocate from Laramie to Rock Springs as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Laramie vs Rock Springs?
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