Lawton vs Shawnee: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Lawton, OK and Shawnee, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lawton, OK | Shawnee, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,302▲ | $58,871 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.95▲ | $28.30 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,812▲ | $41,104 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,307 | $52,210▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $64,125 | $70,719▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $76,173 | $87,221▲ |
| Total Employed | 70▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Lawton, OK offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Shawnee.
The salary gap between Lawton and Shawnee is $3,431 (5.83%). Lawton's median is -8.57% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lawton spans $26,361,Shawnee spans $46,117. Shawnee 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, Lawton ($72,494 effective) pays 9.47% more than Shawnee ($66,222 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lawton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,302/year)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,494)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Shawnee if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($87,221)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Lawton grew 48.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 29.3% growth in Shawnee over the same period.
Lawton, OK
$39,710 (2019) → $59,110 (2025)
Shawnee, OK
$43,198 (2024) → $55,855 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lawton, OK
Shawnee, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Lawton or Shawnee?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lawton and Shawnee?
Should I relocate from Lawton to Shawnee as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Lawton vs Shawnee?
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