Ellicott City vs Hagerstown: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Ellicott City, MD and Hagerstown, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ellicott City, MD | Hagerstown, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $74,798▲ | $59,003 |
| Hourly Rate | $35.96▲ | $28.36 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,160▲ | $42,402 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,971▲ | $56,568 |
| 75th Percentile | $90,606▲ | $68,162 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $108,836▲ | $80,895 |
| Total Employed | 15 | 60▲ |
Verdict
Ellicott City, MD offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hagerstown.
The salary gap between Ellicott City and Hagerstown is $15,795 (26.77%). Ellicott City's median is +9.77% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ellicott City spans $56,676,Hagerstown spans $38,493. Ellicott City 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, Ellicott City ($68,434 effective) pays 9.22% more than Hagerstown ($62,655 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ellicott City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($74,798/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($108,836)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,434)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Hagerstown if…
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Ellicott City grew 7.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 39.7% growth in Hagerstown over the same period.
Ellicott City, MD
$65,862 (2024) → $70,966 (2025)
Hagerstown, MD
$40,060 (2019) → $55,980 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ellicott City, MD
Hagerstown, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Ellicott City or Hagerstown?
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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