San Antonio vs El Paso: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between San Antonio, TX and El Paso, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Antonio, TX | El Paso, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,348 | $66,381▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.73 | $31.92▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,107▲ | $35,551 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,102 | $57,253▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $77,722▲ | $70,544 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,992▲ | $81,095 |
| Total Employed | 1,390▲ | 250 |
Verdict
San Antonio and El Paso are closely matched on overall surgical technologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between San Antonio and El Paso is $17,033 (34.52%). El Paso's median is -2.58% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Antonio spans $40,885,El Paso spans $45,544. El Paso 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, El Paso ($73,829 effective) pays 41.70% more than San Antonio ($52,101 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Antonio if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,992)
- ✓Larger job market (1,390 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose El Paso if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,381/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,829)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in San Antonio grew 23.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 42.4% growth in El Paso over the same period.
San Antonio, TX
$38,080 (2019) → $46,820 (2025)
El Paso, TX
$44,240 (2019) → $62,980 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Antonio, TX
El Paso, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: San Antonio or El Paso?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Antonio and El Paso?
Should I relocate from San Antonio to El Paso as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in San Antonio vs El Paso?
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