Austin vs Copperas Cove: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Austin, TX and Copperas Cove, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | Copperas Cove, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $77,796▲ | $63,931 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.40▲ | $30.73 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,172▲ | $49,361 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,370▲ | $54,871 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,279▲ | $78,709 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $100,193▲ | $94,232 |
| Total Employed | 700▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Copperas Cove.
The salary gap between Austin and Copperas Cove is $13,865 (21.69%). Austin's median is +14.17% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $49,021,Copperas Cove spans $44,871. Austin 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, Austin ($79,330 effective) pays 19.12% more than Copperas Cove ($66,595 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Austin if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($77,796/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($100,193)
- ✓Larger job market (700 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $79,330)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Copperas Cove if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Austin grew 46.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.7% growth in Copperas Cove over the same period.
Austin, TX
$50,480 (2019) → $73,810 (2025)
Copperas Cove, TX
$51,974 (2024) → $60,656 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Austin, TX
Copperas Cove, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Austin or Copperas Cove?
What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Copperas Cove?
Should I relocate from Austin to Copperas Cove as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Austin vs Copperas Cove?
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