Gladstone vs Kansas City: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Gladstone, MO and Kansas City, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gladstone, MO | Kansas City, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,570 | $65,612▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.60 | $31.55▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,384 | $50,128▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $53,361 | $60,594▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $76,302 | $80,389▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,574▲ | $84,931 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 980▲ |
Verdict
Kansas City, MO offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Gladstone.
The salary gap between Gladstone and Kansas City is $4,042 (6.56%). Kansas City's median is -3.71% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gladstone spans $45,190,Kansas City spans $34,803. Gladstone 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, Kansas City ($70,899 effective) pays 3.18% more than Gladstone ($68,717 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gladstone if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,574)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Kansas City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,612/year)
- ✓Larger job market (980 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,899)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Gladstone grew 31.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.6% growth in Kansas City over the same period.
Gladstone, MO
$44,531 (2024) → $58,416 (2025)
Kansas City, MO
$46,960 (2019) → $62,250 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gladstone, MO
Kansas City, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Gladstone or Kansas City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Gladstone and Kansas City?
Should I relocate from Gladstone to Kansas City as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Gladstone vs Kansas City?
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