Cleveland vs Lancaster: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Cleveland, OH and Lancaster, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, OH | Lancaster, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,485▲ | $65,048 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.48▲ | $31.27 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,147▲ | $47,794 |
| 25th Percentile | $58,212▲ | $55,480 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,457 | $79,745▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,352 | $95,322▲ |
| Total Employed | 750▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lancaster.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Lancaster is $437 (0.67%). Cleveland's median is -3.90% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $36,205,Lancaster spans $47,528. Lancaster 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, Lancaster ($71,718 effective) pays 2.86% more than Cleveland ($69,722 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,485/year)
- ✓Larger job market (750 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Lancaster if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($95,322)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,718)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Cleveland grew 29.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.9% growth in Lancaster over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$48,060 (2019) → $62,130 (2025)
Lancaster, OH
$48,651 (2024) → $61,715 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Lancaster, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Cleveland or Lancaster?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Lancaster?
Should I relocate from Cleveland to Lancaster as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Cleveland vs Lancaster?
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