Poughkeepsie vs Rochester: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Poughkeepsie, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Poughkeepsie, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,685▲ | $64,062 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.79▲ | $30.80 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,793▲ | $42,550 |
| 25th Percentile | $67,969▲ | $54,713 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,091▲ | $68,025 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $116,884▲ | $78,544 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 340▲ |
Verdict
Poughkeepsie, NY offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Poughkeepsie and Rochester is $16,623 (25.95%). Poughkeepsie's median is +18.41% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Poughkeepsie spans $59,091,Rochester spans $35,994. Poughkeepsie 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, Poughkeepsie ($69,616 effective) pays 5.45% more than Rochester ($66,019 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Poughkeepsie if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($80,685/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($116,884)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,616)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Larger job market (340 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Poughkeepsie grew 4.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 36.5% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Poughkeepsie, NY
$73,059 (2024) → $76,551 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$44,540 (2019) → $60,780 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Poughkeepsie, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Poughkeepsie or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Poughkeepsie and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Poughkeepsie to Rochester as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Poughkeepsie vs Rochester?
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