Lynchburg vs Roanoke: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Lynchburg, VA and Roanoke, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lynchburg, VA | Roanoke, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,716▲ | $64,926 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.52▲ | $31.21 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,161▲ | $38,155 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,853▲ | $53,891 |
| 75th Percentile | $87,542▲ | $67,382 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $106,594▲ | $83,350 |
| Total Employed | 12 | 110▲ |
Verdict
Lynchburg, VA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Roanoke.
The salary gap between Lynchburg and Roanoke is $4,790 (7.38%). Lynchburg's median is +2.31% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lynchburg spans $59,433,Roanoke spans $45,195. Lynchburg 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, Roanoke ($69,352 effective) pays 2.66% more than Lynchburg ($67,554 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lynchburg if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,716/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($106,594)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,352)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Lynchburg grew 64.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 66.3% growth in Roanoke over the same period.
Lynchburg, VA
$40,130 (2019) → $66,144 (2025)
Roanoke, VA
$37,050 (2019) → $61,600 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lynchburg, VA
Roanoke, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Lynchburg or Roanoke?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lynchburg and Roanoke?
Should I relocate from Lynchburg to Roanoke as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Lynchburg vs Roanoke?
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