Manchester vs Rochester: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Manchester, NH and Rochester, NH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Manchester, NH | Rochester, NH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $78,344▲ | $70,380 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.66▲ | $33.83 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,576▲ | $53,838 |
| 25th Percentile | $68,225▲ | $61,600 |
| 75th Percentile | $86,628▲ | $86,288 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $88,694 | $103,147▲ |
| Total Employed | 120▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Manchester, NH offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Manchester and Rochester is $7,964 (11.32%). Manchester's median is +14.97% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Manchester spans $34,118,Rochester spans $49,309. Rochester 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, Manchester ($74,149 effective) pays 13.05% more than Rochester ($65,592 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Manchester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($78,344/year)
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,149)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,147)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Manchester grew 36.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.8% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Manchester, NH
$54,410 (2019) → $74,330 (2025)
Rochester, NH
$61,971 (2024) → $66,774 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Manchester, NH
Rochester, NH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Manchester or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Manchester and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Manchester to Rochester as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Manchester vs Rochester?
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