Detroit vs Waterford: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Detroit, MI and Waterford, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Detroit, MI | Waterford, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,364▲ | $65,118 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.35▲ | $31.30 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,116▲ | $47,627 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,742▲ | $55,614 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,254▲ | $80,544 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,645 | $97,522▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,670▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Detroit, MI offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Waterford.
The salary gap between Detroit and Waterford is $4,246 (6.52%). Detroit's median is +1.79% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Detroit spans $34,529,Waterford spans $49,895. Waterford 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, Waterford ($69,869 effective) pays 1.03% more than Detroit ($69,158 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Detroit if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,364/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,670 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Waterford if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($97,522)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,869)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Detroit grew 48.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.3% growth in Waterford over the same period.
Detroit, MI
$44,340 (2019) → $65,810 (2025)
Waterford, MI
$50,932 (2024) → $61,782 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Detroit, MI
Waterford, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Detroit or Waterford?
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Should I relocate from Detroit to Waterford as a surgical technologist?
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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