Louisville vs Owensboro: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Louisville, KY and Owensboro, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Louisville, KY | Owensboro, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,341▲ | $61,347 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.89▲ | $29.49 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,493▲ | $43,164 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,254▲ | $51,116 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,481▲ | $74,601 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,828▲ | $89,745 |
| Total Employed | 132▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Louisville, KY offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Owensboro.
The salary gap between Louisville and Owensboro is $4,994 (8.14%). Louisville's median is -2.64% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Louisville spans $59,335,Owensboro spans $46,581. Louisville 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, Louisville ($74,290 effective) pays 8.14% more than Owensboro ($68,698 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Louisville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,341/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($102,828)
- ✓Larger job market (132 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,290)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Owensboro if…
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Louisville grew 29.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 34.3% growth in Owensboro over the same period.
Louisville, KY
$48,679 (2024) → $62,942 (2025)
Owensboro, KY
$43,350 (2019) → $58,204 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Louisville, KY
Owensboro, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Louisville or Owensboro?
What is the hourly rate difference between Louisville and Owensboro?
Should I relocate from Louisville to Owensboro as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Louisville vs Owensboro?
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