Raleigh vs Thomasville: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Raleigh, NC and Thomasville, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Thomasville, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,800▲ | $62,983 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.16▲ | $30.28 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,878▲ | $44,897 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,385▲ | $52,762 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,565▲ | $74,962 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $81,643 | $94,476▲ |
| Total Employed | 560▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Thomasville.
The salary gap between Raleigh and Thomasville is $1,817 (2.88%). Raleigh's median is -4.90% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Raleigh spans $29,765,Thomasville spans $49,579. Thomasville 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, Thomasville ($67,290 effective) pays 1.93% more than Raleigh ($66,017 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,800/year)
- ✓Larger job market (560 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Thomasville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($94,476)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,290)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Raleigh grew 21.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.5% growth in Thomasville over the same period.
Raleigh, NC
$50,710 (2019) → $61,480 (2025)
Thomasville, NC
$49,587 (2024) → $59,756 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Thomasville, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Raleigh or Thomasville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Raleigh and Thomasville?
Should I relocate from Raleigh to Thomasville as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Raleigh vs Thomasville?
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