Baltimore vs College Park: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Baltimore, MD and College Park, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Baltimore, MD | College Park, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $72,694 | $72,703▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $34.95 | $34.95 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,311 | $50,991▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $63,988▲ | $60,444 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,922 | $90,338▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $87,556 | $108,526▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,090▲ | 6 |
Verdict
College Park, MD offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 2 out of 4 metrics compared to Baltimore.
The salary gap between Baltimore and College Park is $9 (0.01%). College Park's median is +6.69% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baltimore spans $42,245,College Park spans $57,535. College Park 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, Baltimore ($69,572 effective) pays 4.59% more than College Park ($66,517 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Baltimore if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,090 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,572)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose College Park if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($72,703/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($108,526)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Baltimore grew 28.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.7% growth in College Park over the same period.
Baltimore, MD
$53,670 (2019) → $68,970 (2025)
College Park, MD
$64,017 (2024) → $68,978 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Baltimore, MD
College Park, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Baltimore or College Park?
What is the hourly rate difference between Baltimore and College Park?
Should I relocate from Baltimore to College Park as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Baltimore vs College Park?
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