Pensacola vs Tampa: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Pensacola, FL and Tampa, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pensacola, FL | Tampa, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,788 | $66,307▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.67 | $31.88▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,410 | $48,473▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $53,469 | $61,901▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $75,024 | $81,021▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,572 | $103,461▲ |
| Total Employed | 220 | 1,260▲ |
Verdict
Tampa, FL offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Pensacola.
The salary gap between Pensacola and Tampa is $2,519 (3.95%). Tampa's median is -2.69% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pensacola spans $35,162,Tampa spans $54,988. Tampa has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced surgical technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Tampa ($65,722 effective) pays 0.68% more than Pensacola ($65,278 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Pensacola if…
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,307/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,461)
- ✓Larger job market (1,260 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,722)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Pensacola grew 38.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 37.4% growth in Tampa over the same period.
Pensacola, FL
$43,670 (2019) → $60,520 (2025)
Tampa, FL
$45,800 (2019) → $62,910 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pensacola, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Pensacola or Tampa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Pensacola and Tampa?
Should I relocate from Pensacola to Tampa as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Pensacola vs Tampa?
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