Athens vs Cleveland: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Athens, OH and Cleveland, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Athens, OH | Cleveland, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,761 | $65,485▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.22 | $31.48▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,531 | $48,147▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $52,254 | $58,212▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $72,961 | $76,457▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $85,692▲ | $84,352 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 750▲ |
Verdict
Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Athens.
The salary gap between Athens and Cleveland is $4,724 (7.77%). Cleveland's median is -3.90% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Athens spans $40,161,Cleveland spans $36,205. Athens 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, Cleveland ($69,722 effective) pays 4.08% more than Athens ($66,991 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Athens if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($85,692)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,485/year)
- ✓Larger job market (750 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,722)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Athens grew 26.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.3% growth in Cleveland over the same period.
Athens, OH
$45,444 (2024) → $57,648 (2025)
Cleveland, OH
$48,060 (2019) → $62,130 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Athens, OH
Cleveland, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Athens or Cleveland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Athens and Cleveland?
Should I relocate from Athens to Cleveland as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Athens vs Cleveland?
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