Port St. Lucie vs Tampa: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Port St. Lucie, FL and Tampa, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Port St. Lucie, FL | Tampa, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,332▲ | $66,307 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.34▲ | $31.88 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,862 | $48,473▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $64,083▲ | $61,901 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,747 | $81,021▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $109,395▲ | $103,461 |
| Total Employed | 200 | 1,260▲ |
Verdict
Port St. Lucie, FL offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tampa.
The salary gap between Port St. Lucie and Tampa is $3,025 (4.56%). Port St. Lucie's median is +1.75% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Port St. Lucie spans $61,533,Tampa spans $54,988. Port St. Lucie 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, Port St. Lucie ($69,174 effective) pays 5.25% more than Tampa ($65,722 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Port St. Lucie if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,332/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($109,395)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,174)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,260 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Port St. Lucie grew 56.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 37.4% growth in Tampa over the same period.
Port St. Lucie, FL
$42,010 (2019) → $65,780 (2025)
Tampa, FL
$45,800 (2019) → $62,910 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Port St. Lucie, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Port St. Lucie or Tampa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Port St. Lucie and Tampa?
Should I relocate from Port St. Lucie to Tampa as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Port St. Lucie vs Tampa?
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