Lawrence vs Olathe: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Lawrence, KS and Olathe, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lawrence, KS | Olathe, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,633▲ | $62,152 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.11▲ | $29.88 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,547 | $45,323▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $54,803▲ | $53,131 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,393▲ | $75,832 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $92,007 | $95,926▲ |
| Total Employed | 22 | 33▲ |
Verdict
Lawrence and Olathe are closely matched on overall surgical technologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Lawrence and Olathe is $481 (0.77%). Lawrence's median is -8.08% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lawrence spans $49,460,Olathe spans $50,603. Olathe 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, Lawrence ($68,903 effective) pays 0.77% more than Olathe ($68,374 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lawrence if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,633/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,903)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Olathe if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($95,926)
- ✓Larger job market (33 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Lawrence grew 24.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.3% growth in Olathe over the same period.
Lawrence, KS
$47,797 (2024) → $59,424 (2025)
Olathe, KS
$47,429 (2024) → $58,968 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lawrence, KS
Olathe, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Lawrence or Olathe?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lawrence and Olathe?
Should I relocate from Lawrence to Olathe as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Lawrence vs Olathe?
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