New York vs Albany: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between New York, NY and Albany, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New York, NY | Albany, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $88,662▲ | $67,530 |
| Hourly Rate | $42.62▲ | $32.47 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,986▲ | $50,803 |
| 25th Percentile | $76,731▲ | $56,178 |
| 75th Percentile | $105,179▲ | $80,441 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $110,438▲ | $85,585 |
| Total Employed | 6,320▲ | 280 |
Verdict
New York, NY offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Albany.
The salary gap between New York and Albany is $21,132 (31.29%). New York's median is +30.12% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in New York spans $48,452,Albany spans $34,782. New York 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 York ($78,767 effective) pays 16.13% more than Albany ($67,824 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose New York if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($88,662/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($110,438)
- ✓Larger job market (6,320 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $78,767)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Albany if…
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in New York grew 44.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 57.1% growth in Albany over the same period.
New York, NY
$58,190 (2019) → $84,120 (2025)
Albany, NY
$40,770 (2019) → $64,070 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New York, NY
Albany, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: New York or Albany?
What is the hourly rate difference between New York and Albany?
Should I relocate from New York to Albany as a surgical technologist?
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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