North Lauderdale vs Orlando: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between North Lauderdale, FL and Orlando, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | North Lauderdale, FL | Orlando, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,145 | $65,063▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.36 | $31.28▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,904▲ | $42,107 |
| 25th Percentile | $55,865▲ | $53,796 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,723▲ | $74,233 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $89,447▲ | $83,350 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 1,490▲ |
Verdict
Orlando, FL offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to North Lauderdale.
The salary gap between North Lauderdale and Orlando is $1,918 (3.04%). Orlando's median is -4.52% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in North Lauderdale spans $45,543,Orlando spans $41,243. North Lauderdale 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, Orlando ($64,153 effective) pays 2.41% more than North Lauderdale ($62,644 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose North Lauderdale if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($89,447)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Orlando if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,063/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,490 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,153)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in North Lauderdale grew 17.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.3% growth in Orlando over the same period.
North Lauderdale, FL
$50,850 (2024) → $59,910 (2025)
Orlando, FL
$46,320 (2019) → $61,730 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
North Lauderdale, FL
Orlando, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: North Lauderdale or Orlando?
What is the hourly rate difference between North Lauderdale and Orlando?
Should I relocate from North Lauderdale to Orlando as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in North Lauderdale vs Orlando?
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