Metairie vs New Orleans: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Metairie, LA and New Orleans, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Metairie, LA | New Orleans, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,053▲ | $61,828 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.83▲ | $29.72 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,310▲ | $37,565 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,796▲ | $51,530 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,524▲ | $68,215 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $96,183▲ | $79,682 |
| Total Employed | 23 | 590▲ |
Verdict
Metairie, LA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to New Orleans.
The salary gap between Metairie and New Orleans is $225 (0.36%). Metairie's median is -8.93% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Metairie spans $54,873,New Orleans spans $42,117. Metairie 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, Metairie ($68,719 effective) pays 2.92% more than New Orleans ($66,771 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Metairie if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,053/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,183)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,719)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose New Orleans if…
- ✓Larger job market (590 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Metairie grew 34.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 40.6% growth in New Orleans over the same period.
Metairie, LA
$43,937 (2024) → $58,874 (2025)
New Orleans, LA
$41,730 (2019) → $58,660 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Metairie, LA
New Orleans, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Metairie or New Orleans?
What is the hourly rate difference between Metairie and New Orleans?
Should I relocate from Metairie to New Orleans as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Metairie vs New Orleans?
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