Anchorage vs Sitka: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Anchorage, AK and Sitka, AK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Anchorage, AK | Sitka, AK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,248▲ | $66,794 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.99▲ | $32.12 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,112▲ | $51,644 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,908▲ | $58,600 |
| 75th Percentile | $100,952▲ | $79,875 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $108,720▲ | $93,669 |
| Total Employed | 210▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Anchorage, AK offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sitka.
The salary gap between Anchorage and Sitka is $18,454 (27.63%). Anchorage's median is +25.11% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Anchorage spans $46,608,Sitka spans $42,025. Anchorage 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, Anchorage ($80,865 effective) pays 28.45% more than Sitka ($62,954 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Anchorage if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($85,248/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($108,720)
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,865)
- ✓You prefer the Alaska area and lifestyle
Choose Sitka if…
- ✓You prefer the Alaska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Anchorage grew 16.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -4.9% growth in Sitka over the same period.
Anchorage, AK
$69,740 (2019) → $80,880 (2025)
Sitka, AK
$66,655 (2024) → $63,372 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Anchorage, AK
Frequently Asked Questions
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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