Portland vs Roseburg: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Portland, OR and Roseburg, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Portland, OR | Roseburg, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,881▲ | $65,894 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.77▲ | $31.68 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,053▲ | $47,493 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,649▲ | $59,441 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,971▲ | $80,370 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,343▲ | $94,705 |
| Total Employed | 650▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Portland, OR offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Roseburg.
The salary gap between Portland and Roseburg is $20,987 (31.85%). Portland's median is +27.50% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Portland spans $37,290,Roseburg spans $47,212. Roseburg 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, Portland ($82,413 effective) pays 28.32% more than Roseburg ($64,224 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 ($86,881/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($102,343)
- ✓Larger job market (650 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,413)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Roseburg if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Portland grew 31.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -4.9% growth in Roseburg over the same period.
Portland, OR
$62,580 (2019) → $82,430 (2025)
Roseburg, OR
$65,758 (2024) → $62,518 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portland, OR
Roseburg, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Portland or Roseburg?
What is the hourly rate difference between Portland and Roseburg?
Should I relocate from Portland to Roseburg as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Portland vs Roseburg?
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