Rochester vs Schenectady: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Rochester, NY and Schenectady, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rochester, NY | Schenectady, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,062 | $66,063▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.80 | $31.76▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,550 | $47,531▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $54,713 | $55,831▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $68,025 | $82,567▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,544 | $97,953▲ |
| Total Employed | 340▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Schenectady, NY offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Rochester and Schenectady is $2,001 (3.12%). Schenectady's median is -3.05% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rochester spans $35,994,Schenectady spans $50,422. Schenectady 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, Rochester ($66,019 effective) pays 15.82% more than Schenectady ($57,000 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Larger job market (340 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,019)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Schenectady if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,063/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($97,953)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Rochester grew 36.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -12.8% growth in Schenectady over the same period.
Rochester, NY
$44,540 (2019) → $60,780 (2025)
Schenectady, NY
$71,839 (2024) → $62,678 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, NY
Schenectady, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Rochester or Schenectady?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rochester and Schenectady?
Should I relocate from Rochester to Schenectady as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Rochester vs Schenectady?
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