Mesa vs Yuma: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Mesa, AZ and Yuma, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Mesa, AZ | Yuma, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,866▲ | $67,630 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.36▲ | $32.52 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,203▲ | $45,552 |
| 25th Percentile | $69,138▲ | $58,883 |
| 75th Percentile | $101,641▲ | $82,195 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $124,678▲ | $98,860 |
| Total Employed | 98▲ | 24 |
Verdict
Mesa, AZ offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Yuma.
The salary gap between Mesa and Yuma is $14,236 (21.05%). 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,Yuma spans $53,308. 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 21.05% more than Yuma ($68,660 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 Yuma 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 15.6% growth in Yuma over the same period.
Mesa, AZ
$61,402 (2024) → $77,672 (2025)
Yuma, AZ
$55,530 (2019) → $64,165 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Mesa or Yuma?
What is the hourly rate difference between Mesa and Yuma?
Should I relocate from Mesa to Yuma as a surgical technologist?
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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