Laurel vs Salisbury: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Laurel, MD and Salisbury, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Laurel, MD | Salisbury, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $70,750▲ | $61,322 |
| Hourly Rate | $34.01▲ | $29.48 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,600▲ | $50,033 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,800▲ | $57,622 |
| 75th Percentile | $87,283▲ | $61,933 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $104,227▲ | $77,933 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 80▲ |
Verdict
Laurel, MD offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Salisbury.
The salary gap between Laurel and Salisbury is $9,428 (15.37%). Laurel's median is +3.83% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Laurel spans $51,627,Salisbury spans $27,900. Laurel 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, Laurel ($64,730 effective) pays 0.93% more than Salisbury ($64,133 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Laurel if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($70,750/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($104,227)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,730)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Salisbury if…
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Laurel grew 7.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 37.3% growth in Salisbury over the same period.
Laurel, MD
$62,297 (2024) → $67,125 (2025)
Salisbury, MD
$42,360 (2019) → $58,180 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Laurel, MD
Salisbury, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Laurel or Salisbury?
What is the hourly rate difference between Laurel and Salisbury?
Should I relocate from Laurel to Salisbury as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Laurel vs Salisbury?
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