Lewiston vs Sanford: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Lewiston, ME and Sanford, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lewiston, ME | Sanford, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,856▲ | $63,400 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.15▲ | $30.48 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,188 | $49,926▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $56,333 | $56,483▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $81,292▲ | $74,283 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $96,872▲ | $86,430 |
| Total Employed | 7▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Lewiston, ME offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sanford.
The salary gap between Lewiston and Sanford is $3,456 (5.45%). Lewiston's median is -1.89% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lewiston spans $48,684,Sanford spans $36,504. Lewiston 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, Lewiston ($67,124 effective) pays 5.45% more than Sanford ($63,655 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lewiston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,856/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,872)
- ✓Larger job market (7 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,124)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose Sanford if…
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Lewiston grew 4.4% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 11.5% growth in Sanford over the same period.
Lewiston, ME
$60,780 (2021) → $63,431 (2025)
Sanford, ME
$53,965 (2024) → $60,152 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lewiston, ME
Sanford, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Lewiston or Sanford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lewiston and Sanford?
Should I relocate from Lewiston to Sanford as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Lewiston vs Sanford?
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