Richmond vs Suffolk: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Richmond, VA and Suffolk, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Suffolk, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,273 | $69,142▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.90 | $33.24▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,455 | $51,393▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,965▲ | $59,668 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,649 | $83,609▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $95,387 | $106,923▲ |
| Total Employed | 380▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Suffolk, VA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Richmond.
The salary gap between Richmond and Suffolk is $4,869 (7.58%). Suffolk's median is +1.47% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Richmond spans $44,932,Suffolk spans $55,530. Suffolk 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, Suffolk ($66,998 effective) pays 2.01% more than Richmond ($65,680 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Larger job market (380 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Suffolk if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,142/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($106,923)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,998)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Richmond grew 23.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.4% growth in Suffolk over the same period.
Richmond, VA
$49,200 (2019) → $60,980 (2025)
Suffolk, VA
$56,823 (2024) → $65,600 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Richmond, VA
Suffolk, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Richmond or Suffolk?
What is the hourly rate difference between Richmond and Suffolk?
Should I relocate from Richmond to Suffolk as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Richmond vs Suffolk?
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