Denver vs Golden: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Denver, CO and Golden, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Golden, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,179▲ | $74,640 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.03▲ | $35.89 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,768 | $57,162▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $68,183▲ | $65,144 |
| 75th Percentile | $89,010 | $90,550▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,579 | $106,490▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,210▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Golden.
The salary gap between Denver and Golden is $6,539 (8.76%). Denver's median is +19.13% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Denver spans $40,811,Golden spans $49,328. Golden 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, Denver ($76,742 effective) pays 7.96% more than Golden ($71,086 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($81,179/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,210 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,742)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Golden if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($106,490)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Denver grew 40.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.2% growth in Golden over the same period.
Denver, CO
$54,750 (2019) → $77,020 (2025)
Golden, CO
$59,919 (2024) → $70,816 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denver, CO
Golden, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Denver or Golden?
What is the hourly rate difference between Denver and Golden?
Should I relocate from Denver to Golden as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Denver vs Golden?
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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