Monroe vs New Orleans: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Monroe, LA and New Orleans, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Monroe, LA | New Orleans, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,857 | $61,828▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.78 | $29.72▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,147▲ | $37,565 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,738 | $51,530▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $63,988 | $68,215▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,390 | $79,682▲ |
| Total Employed | 90 | 590▲ |
Verdict
New Orleans, LA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Monroe.
The salary gap between Monroe and New Orleans is $1,971 (3.29%). New Orleans's median is -9.26% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Monroe spans $25,243,New Orleans spans $42,117. New Orleans has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced surgical technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Monroe ($71,602 effective) pays 7.23% 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 Monroe if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,602)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose New Orleans if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,828/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($79,682)
- ✓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 Monroe grew 46.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 40.6% growth in New Orleans over the same period.
Monroe, LA
$38,900 (2019) → $56,790 (2025)
New Orleans, LA
$41,730 (2019) → $58,660 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Monroe, LA
New Orleans, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Monroe or New Orleans?
What is the hourly rate difference between Monroe and New Orleans?
Should I relocate from Monroe to New Orleans as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Monroe 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