Newark vs Plainfield: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Newark, NJ and Plainfield, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Newark, NJ | Plainfield, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $88,793▲ | $78,351 |
| Hourly Rate | $42.69▲ | $37.67 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,217▲ | $53,535 |
| 25th Percentile | $75,646▲ | $64,329 |
| 75th Percentile | $113,655▲ | $94,324 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $137,629▲ | $120,863 |
| Total Employed | 61▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Newark, NJ offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Plainfield.
The salary gap between Newark and Plainfield is $10,442 (13.33%). 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,Plainfield spans $67,328. Newark 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, Newark ($77,077 effective) pays 13.33% more than Plainfield ($68,013 effective).
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 Plainfield 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 Plainfield over the same period.
Newark, NJ
$75,106 (2024) → $84,244 (2025)
Plainfield, NJ
$71,290 (2024) → $74,337 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Newark, NJ
Plainfield, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Newark or Plainfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Newark and Plainfield?
Should I relocate from Newark to Plainfield as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Newark vs Plainfield?
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