New Castle vs Philadelphia: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between New Castle, PA and Philadelphia, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New Castle, PA | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,833 | $73,411▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.21 | $35.30▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,973 | $51,425▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $56,425 | $64,420▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $74,039 | $77,764▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $86,337▲ | $84,299 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 2,020▲ |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to New Castle.
The salary gap between New Castle and Philadelphia is $10,578 (16.84%). Philadelphia's median is +7.73% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in New Castle spans $39,364,Philadelphia spans $32,874. New Castle 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, Philadelphia ($71,583 effective) pays 10.96% more than New Castle ($64,510 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose New Castle if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($86,337)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($73,411/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,020 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,583)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in New Castle grew 14.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 50.0% growth in Philadelphia over the same period.
New Castle, PA
$52,184 (2024) → $59,614 (2025)
Philadelphia, PA
$46,440 (2019) → $69,650 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New Castle, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: New Castle or Philadelphia?
What is the hourly rate difference between New Castle and Philadelphia?
Should I relocate from New Castle to Philadelphia as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in New Castle vs Philadelphia?
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