Surg Tech Salary

Marlboro vs Newark: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare surgical technologist salaries between Marlboro, NJ and Newark, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Marlboro, NJ
$74,934
$36.03/hr
Newark, NJ
$88,793
$42.69/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMarlboro, NJNewark, NJ
Median Salary$74,934$88,793
Hourly Rate$36.03$42.69
Entry Level (P10)$56,225$57,217
25th Percentile$64,834$75,646
75th Percentile$91,198$113,655
Top Earner (P90)$108,438$137,629
Total Employed961
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Marlboro ($74,934) and Newark ($88,793) surgical technologist salaries.MarlboroNewarkMedian Salary$74,934$88,793Entry Level (P10)$56,225$57,217Top Earner (P90)$108,438$137,629US Median $68,141

Verdict

Newark, NJ offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Marlboro.

The salary gap between Marlboro and Newark is $13,859 (18.49%). Newark's median is +30.31% compared to the US national median of $68,141.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Marlboro spans $52,213,Newark spans $80,412. Newark has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced surgical technologists.

Marlboro
P10 (Entry)$56,225
P25$64,834
Median$74,934
P75$91,198
P90 (Top)$108,438
Newark
P10 (Entry)$57,217
P25$75,646
Median$88,793
P75$113,655
P90 (Top)$137,629

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Newark ($77,077 effective) pays 18.49% more than Marlboro ($65,047 effective).

Marlboro
Nominal: $74,934
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $65,047
Newark
Nominal: $88,793
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $77,077

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Marlboro if…

  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Choose Newark if…

  • Higher median salary ($88,793/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($137,629)
  • Larger job market (61 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,077)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Marlboro grew 4.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 12.2% growth in Newark over the same period.

Marlboro, NJ

+4.3%

$68,181 (2024) → $71,095 (2025)

Newark, NJ

+12.2%

$75,106 (2024) → $84,244 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays surgical technologists more: Marlboro or Newark?

Newark has a higher median surgical technologist salary at $88,793/year, compared to Marlboro at $74,934/year — a difference of $13,859 (18.49%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Marlboro and Newark?

Marlboro surgical technologists earn $36.03/hr while Newark hygienists earn $42.69/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Marlboro to Newark as a surgical technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Marlboro and Newark. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Marlboro = $65,047, Newark = $77,077), job availability (9 vs 61 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Marlboro vs Newark?

Entry-level (10th percentile) surgical technologists earn $56,225 in Marlboro and $57,217 in Newark. The Newark area offers higher starting salaries.
JT

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.

Clinically reviewed by Carlos Ramirez, AAS, CSTData verified by Fatima Ali, BS, CST

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