Columbia vs Hilton Head Island: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Columbia, SC and Hilton Head Island, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Hilton Head Island, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,536 | $66,202▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.03 | $31.83▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,732▲ | $45,132 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,376▲ | $53,880 |
| 75th Percentile | $70,365 | $71,756▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,302 | $84,383▲ |
| Total Employed | 440▲ | 40 |
Verdict
Hilton Head Island, SC offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Columbia and Hilton Head Island is $1,666 (2.58%). Hilton Head Island's median is -2.85% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $25,570,Hilton Head Island spans $39,251. Hilton Head Island 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, Columbia ($68,903 effective) pays 2.02% more than Hilton Head Island ($67,541 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Larger job market (440 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,903)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Hilton Head Island if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,202/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,383)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Columbia grew 49.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 58.8% growth in Hilton Head Island over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$41,070 (2019) → $61,230 (2025)
Hilton Head Island, SC
$39,550 (2019) → $62,810 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Hilton Head Island, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Columbia or Hilton Head Island?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Hilton Head Island?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Hilton Head Island as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Columbia vs Hilton Head Island?
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