Dearborn vs Grand Rapids: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Dearborn, MI and Grand Rapids, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dearborn, MI | Grand Rapids, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,005▲ | $67,119 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.18▲ | $32.27 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,468▲ | $40,337 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,605▲ | $53,417 |
| 75th Percentile | $87,070▲ | $82,939 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $106,514▲ | $99,434 |
| Total Employed | 19 | 600▲ |
Verdict
Dearborn, MI offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Grand Rapids.
The salary gap between Dearborn and Grand Rapids is $1,886 (2.81%). Dearborn's median is +1.27% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dearborn spans $56,046,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, Dearborn ($74,040 effective) pays 5.40% more than Grand Rapids ($70,248 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dearborn if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,005/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($106,514)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,040)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Grand Rapids if…
- ✓Larger job market (600 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Dearborn grew 24.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 48.3% growth in Grand Rapids over the same period.
Dearborn, MI
$52,442 (2024) → $65,470 (2025)
Grand Rapids, MI
$42,930 (2019) → $63,680 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dearborn, MI
Grand Rapids, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Dearborn or Grand Rapids?
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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