Seattle vs Tacoma: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Seattle, WA and Tacoma, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Seattle, WA | Tacoma, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,215▲ | $82,810 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.48▲ | $39.81 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,460▲ | $57,299 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,117 | $68,786▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $105,084 | $105,997▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $110,364 | $128,355▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,460▲ | 56 |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tacoma.
The salary gap between Seattle and Tacoma is $1,405 (1.70%). Seattle's median is +23.59% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Seattle spans $47,904,Tacoma spans $71,056. Tacoma 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, Tacoma ($77,104 effective) pays 1.75% more than Seattle ($75,779 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,215/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,460 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Tacoma if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($128,355)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,104)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Seattle grew 32.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 0.3% growth in Tacoma over the same period.
Seattle, WA
$60,280 (2019) → $79,900 (2025)
Tacoma, WA
$78,319 (2024) → $78,567 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Seattle, WA
Tacoma, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Seattle or Tacoma?
What is the hourly rate difference between Seattle and Tacoma?
Should I relocate from Seattle to Tacoma as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Seattle vs Tacoma?
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