Surg Tech Salary

Allentown vs Chambersburg: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare surgical technologist salaries between Allentown, PA and Chambersburg, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Allentown, PA
$65,612
$31.55/hr
Chambersburg, PA
$62,798
$30.19/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAllentown, PAChambersburg, PA
Median Salary$65,612$62,798
Hourly Rate$31.55$30.19
Entry Level (P10)$50,961$46,613
25th Percentile$52,025$53,882
75th Percentile$75,266$75,290
Top Earner (P90)$79,071$88,377
Total Employed3706
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Allentown ($65,612) and Chambersburg ($62,798) surgical technologist salaries.AllentownChambersburgMedian Salary$65,612$62,798Entry Level (P10)$50,961$46,613Top Earner (P90)$79,071$88,377US Median $68,141

Verdict

Allentown, PA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Chambersburg.

The salary gap between Allentown and Chambersburg is $2,814 (4.48%). Allentown's median is -3.71% compared to the US national median of $68,141.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Allentown spans $28,110,Chambersburg spans $41,764. Chambersburg has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced surgical technologists.

Allentown
P10 (Entry)$50,961
P25$52,025
Median$65,612
P75$75,266
P90 (Top)$79,071
Chambersburg
P10 (Entry)$46,613
P25$53,882
Median$62,798
P75$75,290
P90 (Top)$88,377

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Allentown ($65,633 effective) pays 1.80% more than Chambersburg ($64,474 effective).

Allentown
Nominal: $65,612
CoL Index: 99.968
Adjusted: $65,633
Chambersburg
Nominal: $62,798
CoL Index: 97.4
Adjusted: $64,474

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Allentown if…

  • Higher median salary ($65,612/year)
  • Larger job market (370 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,633)
  • You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle

Choose Chambersburg if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($88,377)
  • You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Allentown grew 39.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.8% growth in Chambersburg over the same period.

Allentown, PA

+39.3%

$44,700 (2019) → $62,250 (2025)

Chambersburg, PA

+14.8%

$51,880 (2019) → $59,581 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays surgical technologists more: Allentown or Chambersburg?

Allentown has a higher median surgical technologist salary at $65,612/year, compared to Chambersburg at $62,798/year — a difference of $2,814 (4.48%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Allentown and Chambersburg?

Allentown surgical technologists earn $31.55/hr while Chambersburg hygienists earn $30.19/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Allentown to Chambersburg as a surgical technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Allentown and Chambersburg. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Allentown = $65,633, Chambersburg = $64,474), job availability (370 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Allentown vs Chambersburg?

Entry-level (10th percentile) surgical technologists earn $50,961 in Allentown and $46,613 in Chambersburg. The Allentown area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JT

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.

Clinically reviewed by Carlos Ramirez, AAS, CSTData verified by Fatima Ali, BS, CST

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