Atlantic City vs Passaic: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Atlantic City, NJ and Passaic, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Atlantic City, NJ | Passaic, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,666 | $76,834▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.05 | $36.94▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,064 | $56,561▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,475 | $65,894▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $68,394 | $96,989▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,731 | $118,326▲ |
| Total Employed | 160▲ | 18 |
Verdict
Passaic, NJ offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Atlantic City.
The salary gap between Atlantic City and Passaic is $10,168 (15.25%). Passaic's median is +12.76% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlantic City spans $43,667,Passaic spans $61,765. Passaic 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, Atlantic City ($67,437 effective) pays 1.11% more than Passaic ($66,696 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Atlantic City if…
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,437)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Passaic if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,834/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($118,326)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Atlantic City grew 11.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.3% growth in Passaic over the same period.
Atlantic City, NJ
$56,950 (2019) → $63,250 (2025)
Passaic, NJ
$69,909 (2024) → $72,898 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Atlantic City, NJ
Passaic, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Atlantic City or Passaic?
What is the hourly rate difference between Atlantic City and Passaic?
Should I relocate from Atlantic City to Passaic as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Atlantic City vs Passaic?
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