San Antonio vs Temple: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between San Antonio, TX and Temple, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Antonio, TX | Temple, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,348 | $64,930▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.73 | $31.22▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,107 | $48,120▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,102 | $55,927▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $77,722 | $80,784▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,992 | $98,029▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,390▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Temple, TX offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Antonio.
The salary gap between San Antonio and Temple is $15,582 (31.58%). Temple's median is -4.71% 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,Temple spans $49,909. Temple 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, Temple ($67,635 effective) pays 29.82% 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…
- ✓Larger job market (1,390 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Temple if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,930/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($98,029)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,635)
- ✓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 16.7% growth in Temple over the same period.
San Antonio, TX
$38,080 (2019) → $46,820 (2025)
Temple, TX
$52,786 (2024) → $61,603 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Antonio, TX
Temple, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: San Antonio or Temple?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Antonio and Temple?
Should I relocate from San Antonio to Temple as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in San Antonio vs Temple?
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