Trenton vs Union: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Trenton, NJ and Union, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Trenton, NJ | Union, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $74,423 | $79,246▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $35.78 | $38.10▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,684▲ | $55,607 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,103 | $66,159▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $83,361 | $96,496▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $95,187 | $116,144▲ |
| Total Employed | 150▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Union, NJ offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Trenton.
The salary gap between Trenton and Union is $4,823 (6.48%). Union's median is +16.30% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Trenton spans $38,503,Union spans $60,537. Union 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, Trenton ($72,129 effective) pays 4.85% more than Union ($68,790 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Trenton if…
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,129)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Union if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($79,246/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($116,144)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Trenton grew 29.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.3% growth in Union over the same period.
Trenton, NJ
$54,360 (2019) → $70,610 (2025)
Union, NJ
$72,104 (2024) → $75,186 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Trenton, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Trenton or Union?
What is the hourly rate difference between Trenton and Union?
Should I relocate from Trenton to Union as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Trenton vs Union?
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