Austin vs Round Rock: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Austin, TX and Round Rock, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | Round Rock, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $77,796 | $78,341▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $37.40 | $37.66▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,172 | $52,566▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $66,370▲ | $63,574 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,279 | $99,913▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $100,193 | $121,428▲ |
| Total Employed | 700▲ | 26 |
Verdict
Round Rock, TX offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Austin.
The salary gap between Austin and Round Rock is $545 (0.70%). Round Rock's median is +14.97% 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,Round Rock spans $68,862. Round Rock 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, Round Rock ($81,605 effective) pays 2.87% more than Austin ($79,330 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Austin if…
- ✓Larger job market (700 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Round Rock if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($78,341/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($121,428)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $81,605)
- ✓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 35.9% growth in Round Rock over the same period.
Austin, TX
$50,480 (2019) → $73,810 (2025)
Round Rock, TX
$54,678 (2024) → $74,327 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Austin, TX
Round Rock, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Austin or Round Rock?
What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Round Rock?
Should I relocate from Austin to Round Rock as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Austin vs Round Rock?
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