Lawrence vs Wichita: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Lawrence, KS and Wichita, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lawrence, KS | Wichita, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,633▲ | $56,863 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.11▲ | $27.34 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,547 | $47,356▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $54,803▲ | $52,995 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,393▲ | $65,590 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $92,007▲ | $68,921 |
| Total Employed | 22 | 300▲ |
Verdict
Lawrence, KS offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wichita.
The salary gap between Lawrence and Wichita is $5,770 (10.15%). 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,Wichita spans $21,565. Lawrence 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, Lawrence ($68,903 effective) pays 7.78% more than Wichita ($63,930 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 top-earner potential ($92,007)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,903)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Wichita if…
- ✓Larger job market (300 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 40.0% growth in Wichita over the same period.
Lawrence, KS
$47,797 (2024) → $59,424 (2025)
Wichita, KS
$38,530 (2019) → $53,950 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lawrence, KS
Wichita, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Lawrence or Wichita?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lawrence and Wichita?
Should I relocate from Lawrence to Wichita as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Lawrence vs Wichita?
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