Pittsburgh vs Williamsport: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Pittsburgh, PA and Williamsport, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pittsburgh, PA | Williamsport, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,738▲ | $65,057 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.61▲ | $31.28 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,833 | $47,501▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $52,278 | $55,266▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $70,028 | $78,138▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,024 | $92,680▲ |
| Total Employed | 890▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Pittsburgh, PA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Williamsport.
The salary gap between Pittsburgh and Williamsport is $681 (1.05%). Pittsburgh's median is -3.53% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pittsburgh spans $41,191,Williamsport spans $45,179. Williamsport 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, Pittsburgh ($69,438 effective) pays 3.96% more than Williamsport ($66,794 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Pittsburgh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,738/year)
- ✓Larger job market (890 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,438)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Williamsport if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($92,680)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Pittsburgh grew 40.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 35.9% growth in Williamsport over the same period.
Pittsburgh, PA
$44,560 (2019) → $62,370 (2025)
Williamsport, PA
$45,430 (2021) → $61,724 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pittsburgh, PA
Williamsport, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Pittsburgh or Williamsport?
What is the hourly rate difference between Pittsburgh and Williamsport?
Should I relocate from Pittsburgh to Williamsport as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Pittsburgh vs Williamsport?
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