Phoenix vs Lake Havasu City: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Phoenix, AZ and Lake Havasu City, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Lake Havasu City, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,265▲ | $63,893 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.56▲ | $30.72 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,861▲ | $36,574 |
| 25th Percentile | $67,424▲ | $61,364 |
| 75th Percentile | $89,464▲ | $81,485 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,280 | $110,101▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,790▲ | 50 |
Verdict
Phoenix, AZ offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lake Havasu City.
The salary gap between Phoenix and Lake Havasu City is $18,372 (28.75%). Phoenix's median is +20.73% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Phoenix spans $47,419,Lake Havasu City spans $73,527. Lake Havasu City 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, Phoenix ($79,625 effective) pays 17.27% more than Lake Havasu City ($67,900 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Phoenix if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($82,265/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,790 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $79,625)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Lake Havasu City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($110,101)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Phoenix grew 45.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 29.6% growth in Lake Havasu City over the same period.
Phoenix, AZ
$53,590 (2019) → $78,050 (2025)
Lake Havasu City, AZ
$46,760 (2019) → $60,620 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Phoenix, AZ
Lake Havasu City, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Phoenix or Lake Havasu City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Phoenix and Lake Havasu City?
Should I relocate from Phoenix to Lake Havasu City as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Phoenix vs Lake Havasu City?
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