Riverton vs Salt Lake City: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Riverton, UT and Salt Lake City, UT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Riverton, UT | Salt Lake City, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,339 | $69,237▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.41 | $33.29▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,318 | $48,421▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $54,480 | $55,830▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $78,890 | $81,833▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $93,761 | $94,459▲ |
| Total Employed | 11 | 470▲ |
Verdict
Salt Lake City, UT offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Riverton.
The salary gap between Riverton and Salt Lake City is $3,898 (5.97%). Salt Lake City's median is +1.61% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Riverton spans $47,443,Salt Lake City spans $46,038. Riverton 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, Salt Lake City ($68,641 effective) pays 3.06% more than Riverton ($66,604 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Riverton if…
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Choose Salt Lake City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,237/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($94,459)
- ✓Larger job market (470 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,641)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Riverton grew 19.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 50.7% growth in Salt Lake City over the same period.
Riverton, UT
$52,041 (2024) → $61,991 (2025)
Salt Lake City, UT
$43,590 (2019) → $65,690 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Riverton, UT
Salt Lake City, UT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Riverton or Salt Lake City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Riverton and Salt Lake City?
Should I relocate from Riverton to Salt Lake City as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Riverton vs Salt Lake City?
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