Oklahoma City vs Tulsa: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Oklahoma City, OK and Tulsa, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Oklahoma City, OK | Tulsa, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,762▲ | $62,787 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.58▲ | $30.19 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,942 | $53,143▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $58,708▲ | $55,567 |
| 75th Percentile | $73,601▲ | $66,982 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,728▲ | $76,426 |
| Total Employed | 930▲ | 560 |
Verdict
Oklahoma City, OK offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Tulsa.
The salary gap between Oklahoma City and Tulsa is $4,975 (7.92%). Oklahoma City's median is -0.56% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Oklahoma City spans $29,786,Tulsa spans $23,283. Oklahoma City 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, Oklahoma City ($74,951 effective) pays 6.50% more than Tulsa ($70,378 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Oklahoma City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,762/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,728)
- ✓Larger job market (930 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,951)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Tulsa if…
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Oklahoma City grew 35.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 55.7% growth in Tulsa over the same period.
Oklahoma City, OK
$47,350 (2019) → $64,290 (2025)
Tulsa, OK
$38,270 (2019) → $59,570 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Oklahoma City, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Oklahoma City or Tulsa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Oklahoma City and Tulsa?
Should I relocate from Oklahoma City to Tulsa as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Oklahoma City vs Tulsa?
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