New Orleans vs Zachary: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between New Orleans, LA and Zachary, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New Orleans, LA | Zachary, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,828▲ | $56,585 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.72▲ | $27.20 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,565 | $44,321▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,530▲ | $50,103 |
| 75th Percentile | $68,215▲ | $66,050 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,682 | $81,854▲ |
| Total Employed | 590▲ | 6 |
Verdict
New Orleans, LA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Zachary.
The salary gap between New Orleans and Zachary is $5,243 (9.27%). 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 New Orleans spans $42,117,Zachary spans $37,533. New Orleans 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, New Orleans ($66,771 effective) pays 6.56% more than Zachary ($62,663 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose New Orleans if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,828/year)
- ✓Larger job market (590 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,771)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Zachary if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($81,854)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in New Orleans grew 40.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.2% growth in Zachary over the same period.
New Orleans, LA
$41,730 (2019) → $58,660 (2025)
Zachary, LA
$40,311 (2024) → $53,686 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New Orleans, LA
Zachary, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: New Orleans or Zachary?
What is the hourly rate difference between New Orleans and Zachary?
Should I relocate from New Orleans to Zachary as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in New Orleans vs Zachary?
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