Salem vs Woodburn: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Salem, OR and Woodburn, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salem, OR | Woodburn, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,223▲ | $68,767 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.54▲ | $33.06 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,293▲ | $49,393 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,727▲ | $57,815 |
| 75th Percentile | $99,751▲ | $83,596 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $100,899▲ | $99,268 |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Salem, OR offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Woodburn.
The salary gap between Salem and Woodburn is $13,456 (19.57%). Salem's median is +20.67% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Salem spans $29,606,Woodburn spans $49,875. Woodburn 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, Salem ($79,328 effective) pays 18.36% more than Woodburn ($67,024 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($82,223/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($100,899)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $79,328)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Woodburn if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Salem grew 39.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -4.9% growth in Woodburn over the same period.
Salem, OR
$56,050 (2019) → $78,010 (2025)
Woodburn, OR
$68,625 (2024) → $65,244 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Woodburn, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Salem or Woodburn?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salem and Woodburn?
Should I relocate from Salem to Woodburn as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Salem vs Woodburn?
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