Santa Fe vs Taos: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Santa Fe, NM and Taos, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Santa Fe, NM | Taos, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,949▲ | $59,177 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.23▲ | $28.45 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,857▲ | $45,077 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,235▲ | $51,612 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,520▲ | $70,480 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,580▲ | $82,524 |
| Total Employed | 20▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Santa Fe, NM offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Taos.
The salary gap between Santa Fe and Taos is $5,772 (9.75%). Santa Fe's median is -4.68% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Santa Fe spans $51,723,Taos spans $37,447. Santa Fe 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, Santa Fe ($68,802 effective) pays 9.75% more than Taos ($62,687 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Santa Fe if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,949/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($97,580)
- ✓Larger job market (20 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,802)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Taos if…
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Santa Fe grew 32.1% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 15.4% growth in Taos over the same period.
Santa Fe, NM
$46,660 (2021) → $61,621 (2025)
Taos, NM
$48,633 (2024) → $56,145 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Santa Fe, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Santa Fe or Taos?
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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