Austin vs Galveston: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Austin, TX and Galveston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | Galveston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $77,796▲ | $66,333 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.40▲ | $31.89 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,172▲ | $46,062 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,370▲ | $54,863 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,279▲ | $81,760 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $100,193▲ | $98,610 |
| Total Employed | 700▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Galveston.
The salary gap between Austin and Galveston is $11,463 (17.28%). 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,Galveston spans $52,548. Galveston 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, Austin ($79,330 effective) pays 14.81% more than Galveston ($69,097 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 Galveston 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 Galveston over the same period.
Austin, TX
$50,480 (2019) → $73,810 (2025)
Galveston, TX
$53,927 (2024) → $62,935 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Austin, TX
Galveston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Austin or Galveston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Galveston?
Should I relocate from Austin to Galveston as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Austin vs Galveston?
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