Chelsea vs Springfield: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Chelsea, MA and Springfield, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chelsea, MA | Springfield, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,992 | $82,750▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.42 | $39.79▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,810 | $70,154▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $69,677 | $70,154▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $98,563▲ | $88,262 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $116,640▲ | $96,673 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 220▲ |
Verdict
Springfield, MA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Chelsea.
The salary gap between Chelsea and Springfield is $758 (0.92%). Springfield's median is +21.44% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chelsea spans $56,830,Springfield spans $26,519. Chelsea 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, Springfield ($86,143 effective) pays 13.99% more than Chelsea ($75,569 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chelsea if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($116,640)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($82,750/year)
- ✓Larger job market (220 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $86,143)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Chelsea grew 6.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.2% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Chelsea, MA
$73,104 (2024) → $77,791 (2025)
Springfield, MA
$59,850 (2019) → $78,510 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chelsea, MA
Springfield, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Chelsea or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chelsea and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Chelsea to Springfield as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Chelsea vs Springfield?
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