Mesa vs Surprise: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Mesa, AZ and Surprise, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Mesa, AZ | Surprise, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,866▲ | $66,973 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.36▲ | $32.20 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,203▲ | $48,258 |
| 25th Percentile | $69,138▲ | $56,814 |
| 75th Percentile | $101,641▲ | $83,844 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $124,678▲ | $102,612 |
| Total Employed | 98▲ | 31 |
Verdict
Mesa, AZ offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Surprise.
The salary gap between Mesa and Surprise is $14,893 (22.24%). Mesa's median is +20.14% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mesa spans $66,475,Surprise spans $54,354. Mesa 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, Mesa ($83,113 effective) pays 22.24% more than Surprise ($67,993 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Mesa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($81,866/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($124,678)
- ✓Larger job market (98 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $83,113)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Surprise if…
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Mesa grew 26.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 11.5% growth in Surprise over the same period.
Mesa, AZ
$61,402 (2024) → $77,672 (2025)
Surprise, AZ
$57,007 (2024) → $63,542 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Surprise, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Mesa or Surprise?
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Related Comparisons
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