Flagstaff vs Phoenix: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Flagstaff, AZ and Phoenix, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Flagstaff, AZ | Phoenix, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,009 | $82,265▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.78 | $39.56▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,727 | $54,861▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $52,194 | $67,424▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $75,603 | $89,464▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,286 | $102,280▲ |
| Total Employed | 60 | 1,790▲ |
Verdict
Phoenix, AZ offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Flagstaff.
The salary gap between Flagstaff and Phoenix is $18,256 (28.52%). Phoenix's median is +20.73% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Flagstaff spans $41,559,Phoenix spans $47,419. Phoenix 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, Phoenix ($79,625 effective) pays 24.80% more than Flagstaff ($63,802 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Flagstaff if…
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Phoenix if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($82,265/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($102,280)
- ✓Larger job market (1,790 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $79,625)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Flagstaff grew 8.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 45.6% growth in Phoenix over the same period.
Flagstaff, AZ
$55,774 (2024) → $60,730 (2025)
Phoenix, AZ
$53,590 (2019) → $78,050 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Flagstaff, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Flagstaff or Phoenix?
What is the hourly rate difference between Flagstaff and Phoenix?
Should I relocate from Flagstaff to Phoenix as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Flagstaff vs Phoenix?
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