Lawrence vs Overland Park: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Lawrence, KS and Overland Park, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lawrence, KS | Overland Park, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,633 | $62,952▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.11 | $30.26▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,547▲ | $42,233 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,803▲ | $51,033 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,393 | $77,784▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $92,007 | $97,576▲ |
| Total Employed | 22 | 29▲ |
Verdict
Overland Park, KS offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lawrence.
The salary gap between Lawrence and Overland Park is $319 (0.51%). Overland Park's median is -7.62% 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,Overland Park spans $55,343. Overland Park 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, Overland Park ($69,254 effective) pays 0.51% more than Lawrence ($68,903 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lawrence if…
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Overland Park if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,952/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($97,576)
- ✓Larger job market (29 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,254)
- ✓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 Overland Park over the same period.
Lawrence, KS
$47,797 (2024) → $59,424 (2025)
Overland Park, KS
$48,040 (2024) → $59,727 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lawrence, KS
Overland Park, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Lawrence or Overland Park?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lawrence and Overland Park?
Should I relocate from Lawrence to Overland Park as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Lawrence vs Overland Park?
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