Tampa vs Winter Haven: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Tampa, FL and Winter Haven, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Tampa, FL | Winter Haven, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,307▲ | $64,043 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.88▲ | $30.79 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,473▲ | $45,283 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,901▲ | $53,528 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,021▲ | $79,447 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,461▲ | $96,302 |
| Total Employed | 1,260▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Tampa, FL offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Winter Haven.
The salary gap between Tampa and Winter Haven is $2,264 (3.54%). Tampa's median is -2.69% 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,Winter Haven spans $51,019. Tampa 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, Tampa ($65,722 effective) pays 3.44% more than Winter Haven ($63,535 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,307/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,461)
- ✓Larger job market (1,260 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,722)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Winter Haven if…
- ✓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 14.7% growth in Winter Haven over the same period.
Tampa, FL
$45,800 (2019) → $62,910 (2025)
Winter Haven, FL
$52,957 (2024) → $60,762 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Winter Haven, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Tampa or Winter Haven?
What is the hourly rate difference between Tampa and Winter Haven?
Should I relocate from Tampa to Winter Haven as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Tampa vs Winter Haven?
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