Jackson vs Starkville: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Jackson, MS and Starkville, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jackson, MS | Starkville, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,229▲ | $56,787 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.40▲ | $27.30 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,771▲ | $39,648 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,236▲ | $50,406 |
| 75th Percentile | $69,585▲ | $68,216 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $73,833 | $80,706▲ |
| Total Employed | 320▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Jackson, MS offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Starkville.
The salary gap between Jackson and Starkville is $6,442 (11.34%). Jackson's median is -7.21% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jackson spans $31,062,Starkville spans $41,058. Starkville 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, Jackson ($71,006 effective) pays 7.16% more than Starkville ($66,263 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jackson if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,229/year)
- ✓Larger job market (320 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,006)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Starkville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($80,706)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Jackson grew 33.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 46.9% growth in Starkville over the same period.
Jackson, MS
$44,910 (2019) → $59,990 (2025)
Starkville, MS
$36,669 (2024) → $53,878 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jackson, MS
Starkville, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Jackson or Starkville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jackson and Starkville?
Should I relocate from Jackson to Starkville as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Jackson vs Starkville?
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