Springfield vs St. Charles: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Springfield, MO and St. Charles, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Springfield, MO | St. Charles, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,420 | $65,141▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.98 | $31.31▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,881 | $46,151▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $54,376 | $54,515▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $77,037 | $79,553▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,320 | $95,525▲ |
| Total Employed | 320▲ | 16 |
Verdict
St. Charles, MO offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Springfield.
The salary gap between Springfield and St. Charles is $721 (1.12%). St. Charles's median is -4.40% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Springfield spans $46,439,St. Charles spans $49,374. St. Charles 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, Springfield ($72,721 effective) pays 0.03% more than St. Charles ($72,702 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Larger job market (320 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,721)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose St. Charles if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,141/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($95,525)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Springfield grew 48.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 31.2% growth in St. Charles over the same period.
Springfield, MO
$41,230 (2019) → $61,120 (2025)
St. Charles, MO
$47,113 (2024) → $61,804 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Springfield, MO
St. Charles, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Springfield or St. Charles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Springfield and St. Charles?
Should I relocate from Springfield to St. Charles as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Springfield vs St. Charles?
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