Bellingham vs Spokane: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Bellingham, WA and Spokane, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bellingham, WA | Spokane, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,072▲ | $75,920 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.50▲ | $36.50 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,912▲ | $51,878 |
| 25th Percentile | $69,912▲ | $62,123 |
| 75th Percentile | $101,353▲ | $81,369 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $116,731▲ | $95,513 |
| Total Employed | 50 | 260▲ |
Verdict
Bellingham, WA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Spokane.
The salary gap between Bellingham and Spokane is $4,152 (5.47%). Bellingham's median is +17.51% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bellingham spans $46,819,Spokane spans $43,635. Bellingham 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, Bellingham ($77,489 effective) pays 2.42% more than Spokane ($75,658 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bellingham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($80,072/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($116,731)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,489)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Spokane if…
- ✓Larger job market (260 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Bellingham grew 46.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.5% growth in Spokane over the same period.
Bellingham, WA
$51,720 (2019) → $75,970 (2025)
Spokane, WA
$56,930 (2019) → $72,030 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bellingham, WA
Spokane, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Bellingham or Spokane?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bellingham and Spokane?
Should I relocate from Bellingham to Spokane as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Bellingham vs Spokane?
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