College Station vs Houston: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between College Station, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | College Station, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,248 | $74,887▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.45 | $36.00▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,229 | $49,485▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,886 | $60,342▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $77,985 | $87,187▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $92,383 | $99,782▲ |
| Total Employed | 140 | 2,660▲ |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to College Station.
The salary gap between College Station and Houston is $13,639 (22.27%). Houston's median is +9.90% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in College Station spans $62,154,Houston spans $50,297. College Station 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, Houston ($75,928 effective) pays 12.75% more than College Station ($67,342 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose College Station if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($74,887/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($99,782)
- ✓Larger job market (2,660 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,928)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in College Station grew 19.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 31.3% growth in Houston over the same period.
College Station, TX
$48,590 (2019) → $58,110 (2025)
Houston, TX
$54,110 (2019) → $71,050 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
College Station, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: College Station or Houston?
What is the hourly rate difference between College Station and Houston?
Should I relocate from College Station to Houston as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in College Station vs Houston?
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