Pittsburgh vs York: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Pittsburgh, PA and York, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pittsburgh, PA | York, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,738 | $66,054▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.61 | $31.76▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,833 | $51,435▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $52,278 | $54,429▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $70,028 | $80,262▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,024 | $87,661▲ |
| Total Employed | 890▲ | 150 |
Verdict
York, PA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Pittsburgh.
The salary gap between Pittsburgh and York is $316 (0.48%). York's median is -3.06% 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,York spans $36,226. Pittsburgh has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Pittsburgh ($69,438 effective) pays 0.92% more than York ($68,806 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Pittsburgh if…
- ✓Larger job market (890 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,438)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose York if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,054/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($87,661)
- ✓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 36.5% growth in York over the same period.
Pittsburgh, PA
$44,560 (2019) → $62,370 (2025)
York, PA
$45,900 (2019) → $62,670 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pittsburgh, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Pittsburgh or York?
What is the hourly rate difference between Pittsburgh and York?
Should I relocate from Pittsburgh to York as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Pittsburgh vs York?
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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