Surg Tech Salary

Phoenix vs Sahuarita: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare surgical technologist salaries between Phoenix, AZ and Sahuarita, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Phoenix, AZ
$82,265
$39.56/hr
Sahuarita, AZ
$64,796
$31.16/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPhoenix, AZSahuarita, AZ
Median Salary$82,265$64,796
Hourly Rate$39.56$31.16
Entry Level (P10)$54,861$49,806
25th Percentile$67,424$56,939
75th Percentile$89,464$77,254
Top Earner (P90)$102,280$95,124
Total Employed1,7905
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Phoenix ($82,265) and Sahuarita ($64,796) surgical technologist salaries.PhoenixSahuaritaMedian Salary$82,265$64,796Entry Level (P10)$54,861$49,806Top Earner (P90)$102,280$95,124US Median $68,141

Verdict

Phoenix, AZ offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sahuarita.

The salary gap between Phoenix and Sahuarita is $17,469 (26.96%). 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,Sahuarita spans $45,318. Phoenix has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Phoenix
P10 (Entry)$54,861
P25$67,424
Median$82,265
P75$89,464
P90 (Top)$102,280
Sahuarita
P10 (Entry)$49,806
P25$56,939
Median$64,796
P75$77,254
P90 (Top)$95,124

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Phoenix ($79,625 effective) pays 21.04% more than Sahuarita ($65,783 effective).

Phoenix
Nominal: $82,265
CoL Index: 103.316
Adjusted: $79,625
Sahuarita
Nominal: $64,796
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $65,783

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)
  • Better top-earner potential ($102,280)
  • Larger job market (1,790 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $79,625)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Choose Sahuarita if…

  • 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 11.5% growth in Sahuarita over the same period.

Phoenix, AZ

+45.6%

$53,590 (2019) → $78,050 (2025)

Sahuarita, AZ

+11.5%

$55,152 (2024) → $61,476 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays surgical technologists more: Phoenix or Sahuarita?

Phoenix has a higher median surgical technologist salary at $82,265/year, compared to Sahuarita at $64,796/year — a difference of $17,469 (26.96%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Phoenix and Sahuarita?

Phoenix surgical technologists earn $39.56/hr while Sahuarita hygienists earn $31.16/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Phoenix to Sahuarita as a surgical technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Phoenix and Sahuarita. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Phoenix = $79,625, Sahuarita = $65,783), job availability (1,790 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Phoenix vs Sahuarita?

Entry-level (10th percentile) surgical technologists earn $54,861 in Phoenix and $49,806 in Sahuarita. The Phoenix area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JT

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.

Clinically reviewed by Carlos Ramirez, AAS, CSTData verified by Fatima Ali, BS, CST

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