Portland vs South Portland: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Portland, ME and South Portland, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Portland, ME | South Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,469▲ | $69,172 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.40▲ | $33.25 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,940 | $53,006▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $63,662▲ | $59,289 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,726 | $85,082▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,242▲ | $101,827 |
| Total Employed | 200▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Portland, ME offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to South Portland.
The salary gap between Portland and South Portland is $297 (0.43%). Portland's median is +1.95% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Portland spans $54,302,South Portland spans $48,821. Portland 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, South Portland ($69,450 effective) pays 1.83% more than Portland ($68,202 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,469/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,242)
- ✓Larger job market (200 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose South Portland if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,450)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Portland grew 36.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.6% growth in South Portland over the same period.
Portland, ME
$48,330 (2019) → $65,910 (2025)
South Portland, ME
$55,795 (2024) → $65,628 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portland, ME
South Portland, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Portland or South Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Portland and South Portland?
Should I relocate from Portland to South Portland as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Portland vs South Portland?
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