Phoenix vs Surprise: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Phoenix, AZ and Surprise, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Surprise, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,265▲ | $66,973 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.56▲ | $32.20 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,861▲ | $48,258 |
| 25th Percentile | $67,424▲ | $56,814 |
| 75th Percentile | $89,464▲ | $83,844 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,280 | $102,612▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,790▲ | 31 |
Verdict
Phoenix, AZ offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Surprise.
The salary gap between Phoenix and Surprise is $15,292 (22.83%). 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,Surprise spans $54,354. Surprise 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 17.11% more than Surprise ($67,993 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 Surprise if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($102,612)
- ✓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 Surprise over the same period.
Phoenix, AZ
$53,590 (2019) → $78,050 (2025)
Surprise, AZ
$57,007 (2024) → $63,542 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Phoenix, AZ
Surprise, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Phoenix or Surprise?
What is the hourly rate difference between Phoenix and Surprise?
Should I relocate from Phoenix to Surprise as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Phoenix vs Surprise?
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