Birmingham vs Florence: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Birmingham, AL and Florence, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Birmingham, AL | Florence, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $54,302▲ | $51,709 |
| Hourly Rate | $26.11▲ | $24.86 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,524 | $38,524 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,076▲ | $41,875 |
| 75th Percentile | $63,114 | $65,717▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,738▲ | $65,717 |
| Total Employed | 700▲ | 70 |
Verdict
Birmingham, AL offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Florence.
The salary gap between Birmingham and Florence is $2,593 (5.01%). Birmingham's median is -20.31% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Birmingham spans $27,214,Florence spans $27,193. Birmingham 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, Florence ($60,965 effective) pays 2.89% more than Birmingham ($59,253 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Birmingham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($54,302/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($65,738)
- ✓Larger job market (700 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Florence if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,965)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Birmingham grew 30.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 35.5% growth in Florence over the same period.
Birmingham, AL
$39,610 (2019) → $51,520 (2025)
Florence, AL
$36,210 (2019) → $49,060 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Birmingham, AL
Florence, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Birmingham or Florence?
What is the hourly rate difference between Birmingham and Florence?
Should I relocate from Birmingham to Florence as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Birmingham vs Florence?
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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