Tampa vs West Palm Beach: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Tampa, FL and West Palm Beach, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Tampa, FL | West Palm Beach, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,307 | $70,614▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.88 | $33.95▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,473 | $49,101▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,901▲ | $58,607 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,021 | $88,669▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,461 | $108,363▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,260▲ | 29 |
Verdict
West Palm Beach, FL offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tampa.
The salary gap between Tampa and West Palm Beach is $4,307 (6.50%). West Palm Beach's median is +3.63% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Tampa spans $54,988,West Palm Beach spans $59,262. West Palm Beach 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, West Palm Beach ($70,054 effective) pays 6.59% more than Tampa ($65,722 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,260 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose West Palm Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($70,614/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($108,363)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,054)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Tampa grew 37.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.8% growth in West Palm Beach over the same period.
Tampa, FL
$45,800 (2019) → $62,910 (2025)
West Palm Beach, FL
$54,132 (2024) → $66,996 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
West Palm Beach, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Tampa or West Palm Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Tampa and West Palm Beach?
Should I relocate from Tampa to West Palm Beach as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Tampa vs West Palm Beach?
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