Milwaukie vs Portland: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Milwaukie, OR and Portland, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Milwaukie, OR | Portland, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,254 | $86,881▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.89 | $41.77▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,050 | $65,053▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $55,964 | $78,649▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $77,842 | $98,971▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,498 | $102,343▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 650▲ |
Verdict
Portland, OR offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Milwaukie.
The salary gap between Milwaukie and Portland is $22,627 (35.21%). Portland's median is +27.50% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Milwaukie spans $42,448,Portland spans $37,290. Milwaukie 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, Portland ($82,413 effective) pays 31.60% more than Milwaukie ($62,626 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Milwaukie if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,881/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($102,343)
- ✓Larger job market (650 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,413)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Milwaukie grew -4.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.7% growth in Portland over the same period.
Milwaukie, OR
$64,121 (2024) → $60,962 (2025)
Portland, OR
$62,580 (2019) → $82,430 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Milwaukie, OR
Portland, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Milwaukie or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Milwaukie and Portland?
Should I relocate from Milwaukie to Portland as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Milwaukie vs Portland?
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