Canton vs Grand Rapids: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Canton, MI and Grand Rapids, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Canton, MI | Grand Rapids, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,239 | $67,119▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.37 | $32.27▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,641▲ | $40,337 |
| 25th Percentile | $55,862▲ | $53,417 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,265 | $82,939▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $100,324▲ | $99,434 |
| Total Employed | 25 | 600▲ |
Verdict
Grand Rapids, MI offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Canton.
The salary gap between Canton and Grand Rapids is $1,880 (2.88%). Grand Rapids's median is -1.50% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Canton spans $52,683,Grand Rapids spans $59,097. Grand Rapids 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, Grand Rapids ($70,248 effective) pays 0.36% more than Canton ($69,999 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Canton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($100,324)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Grand Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,119/year)
- ✓Larger job market (600 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,248)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Canton grew 21.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 48.3% growth in Grand Rapids over the same period.
Canton, MI
$51,027 (2024) → $61,897 (2025)
Grand Rapids, MI
$42,930 (2019) → $63,680 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Canton, MI
Grand Rapids, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Canton or Grand Rapids?
What is the hourly rate difference between Canton and Grand Rapids?
Should I relocate from Canton to Grand Rapids as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Canton vs Grand Rapids?
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