Lincoln vs Papillion: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Lincoln, NE and Papillion, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lincoln, NE | Papillion, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,626▲ | $57,996 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.99▲ | $27.88 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,494▲ | $45,505 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,347▲ | $51,364 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,557▲ | $69,809 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,009 | $82,063▲ |
| Total Employed | 160▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Lincoln, NE offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Papillion.
The salary gap between Lincoln and Papillion is $10,630 (18.33%). Lincoln's median is +0.71% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lincoln spans $23,515,Papillion spans $36,558. Papillion 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, Lincoln ($74,935 effective) pays 18.22% more than Papillion ($63,384 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lincoln if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,626/year)
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,935)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Papillion if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,063)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Lincoln grew 36.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.7% growth in Papillion over the same period.
Lincoln, NE
$47,780 (2019) → $65,110 (2025)
Papillion, NE
$45,961 (2024) → $55,025 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lincoln, NE
Papillion, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Lincoln or Papillion?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lincoln and Papillion?
Should I relocate from Lincoln to Papillion as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Lincoln vs Papillion?
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