New Haven vs Norwalk: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between New Haven, CT and Norwalk, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New Haven, CT | Norwalk, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,083 | $82,457▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.81 | $39.64▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,941 | $56,202▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $53,712 | $67,406▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $90,749 | $103,983▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $112,156 | $126,497▲ |
| Total Employed | 330▲ | 21 |
Verdict
Norwalk, CT offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to New Haven.
The salary gap between New Haven and Norwalk is $18,374 (28.67%). Norwalk's median is +21.01% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in New Haven spans $68,215,Norwalk spans $70,295. Norwalk 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, Norwalk ($76,420 effective) pays 24.69% more than New Haven ($61,289 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose New Haven if…
- ✓Larger job market (330 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose Norwalk if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($82,457/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($126,497)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,420)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in New Haven grew -6.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.8% growth in Norwalk over the same period.
New Haven, CT
$65,090 (2019) → $60,800 (2025)
Norwalk, CT
$68,724 (2024) → $78,232 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New Haven, CT
Norwalk, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: New Haven or Norwalk?
What is the hourly rate difference between New Haven and Norwalk?
Should I relocate from New Haven to Norwalk as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in New Haven vs Norwalk?
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