Surg Tech Salary

Newark vs Perth Amboy: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare surgical technologist salaries between Newark, NJ and Perth Amboy, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Newark, NJ
$88,793
$42.69/hr
Perth Amboy, NJ
$76,890
$36.96/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricNewark, NJPerth Amboy, NJ
Median Salary$88,793$76,890
Hourly Rate$42.69$36.96
Entry Level (P10)$57,217$56,690
25th Percentile$75,646$66,008
75th Percentile$113,655$95,444
Top Earner (P90)$137,629$115,719
Total Employed6113
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Newark ($88,793) and Perth Amboy ($76,890) surgical technologist salaries.NewarkPerth AmboyMedian Salary$88,793$76,890Entry Level (P10)$57,217$56,690Top Earner (P90)$137,629$115,719US Median $68,141

Verdict

Newark, NJ offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Perth Amboy.

The salary gap between Newark and Perth Amboy is $11,903 (15.48%). Newark's median is +30.31% compared to the US national median of $68,141.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Newark spans $80,412,Perth Amboy spans $59,029. Newark has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Newark
P10 (Entry)$57,217
P25$75,646
Median$88,793
P75$113,655
P90 (Top)$137,629
Perth Amboy
P10 (Entry)$56,690
P25$66,008
Median$76,890
P75$95,444
P90 (Top)$115,719

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Newark ($77,077 effective) pays 15.48% more than Perth Amboy ($66,745 effective).

Newark
Nominal: $88,793
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $77,077
Perth Amboy
Nominal: $76,890
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $66,745

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Newark if…

  • Higher median salary ($88,793/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($137,629)
  • Larger job market (61 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,077)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Choose Perth Amboy if…

  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Newark grew 12.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 4.3% growth in Perth Amboy over the same period.

Newark, NJ

+12.2%

$75,106 (2024) → $84,244 (2025)

Perth Amboy, NJ

+4.3%

$69,960 (2024) → $72,951 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays surgical technologists more: Newark or Perth Amboy?

Newark has a higher median surgical technologist salary at $88,793/year, compared to Perth Amboy at $76,890/year — a difference of $11,903 (15.48%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Newark and Perth Amboy?

Newark surgical technologists earn $42.69/hr while Perth Amboy hygienists earn $36.96/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Newark to Perth Amboy as a surgical technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Newark and Perth Amboy. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Newark = $77,077, Perth Amboy = $66,745), job availability (61 vs 13 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Newark vs Perth Amboy?

Entry-level (10th percentile) surgical technologists earn $57,217 in Newark and $56,690 in Perth Amboy. The Newark area offers higher starting salaries.
JT

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.

Clinically reviewed by Carlos Ramirez, AAS, CSTData verified by Fatima Ali, BS, CST

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