New Haven vs Shelton: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between New Haven, CT and Shelton, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New Haven, CT | Shelton, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,083 | $84,569▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.81 | $40.66▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,941 | $61,668▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $53,712 | $71,785▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $90,749 | $103,340▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $112,156 | $120,385▲ |
| Total Employed | 330▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Shelton, 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 Shelton is $20,486 (31.97%). Shelton's median is +24.11% 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,Shelton spans $58,717. New Haven 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, Shelton ($78,377 effective) pays 27.88% 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 Shelton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,569/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($120,385)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $78,377)
- ✓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 17.4% growth in Shelton over the same period.
New Haven, CT
$65,090 (2019) → $60,800 (2025)
Shelton, CT
$68,370 (2024) → $80,236 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New Haven, CT
Shelton, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: New Haven or Shelton?
What is the hourly rate difference between New Haven and Shelton?
Should I relocate from New Haven to Shelton as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in New Haven vs Shelton?
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