Raytown vs St. Louis: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Raytown, MO and St. Louis, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Raytown, MO | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,181 | $65,127▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.89 | $31.31▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,780 | $48,800▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $54,630▲ | $53,554 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,482▲ | $73,316 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,304▲ | $81,348 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 810▲ |
Verdict
St. Louis, MO offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Raytown.
The salary gap between Raytown and St. Louis is $2,946 (4.74%). St. Louis's median is -4.42% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Raytown spans $43,524,St. Louis spans $32,548. Raytown 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, Raytown ($69,398 effective) pays 1.32% more than St. Louis ($68,491 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Raytown if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,304)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,398)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose St. Louis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,127/year)
- ✓Larger job market (810 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Raytown grew 31.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 43.2% growth in St. Louis over the same period.
Raytown, MO
$44,972 (2024) → $58,995 (2025)
St. Louis, MO
$43,150 (2019) → $61,790 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raytown, MO
St. Louis, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Raytown or St. Louis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Raytown and St. Louis?
Should I relocate from Raytown to St. Louis as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Raytown vs St. Louis?
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