Kalamazoo vs Lansing: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Kalamazoo, MI and Lansing, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kalamazoo, MI | Lansing, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,849▲ | $66,729 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.58▲ | $32.08 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,323 | $39,525▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $62,966▲ | $48,937 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,981▲ | $80,536 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $98,865▲ | $85,184 |
| Total Employed | 130 | 190▲ |
Verdict
Kalamazoo, MI offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lansing.
The salary gap between Kalamazoo and Lansing is $3,120 (4.68%). Kalamazoo's median is +2.51% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kalamazoo spans $60,542,Lansing spans $45,659. Kalamazoo 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, Kalamazoo ($73,649 effective) pays 4.84% more than Lansing ($70,248 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kalamazoo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,849/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($98,865)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,649)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Lansing if…
- ✓Larger job market (190 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Kalamazoo grew 37.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 32.4% growth in Lansing over the same period.
Kalamazoo, MI
$48,290 (2019) → $66,270 (2025)
Lansing, MI
$47,830 (2019) → $63,310 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kalamazoo, MI
Lansing, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Kalamazoo or Lansing?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kalamazoo and Lansing?
Should I relocate from Kalamazoo to Lansing as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Kalamazoo vs Lansing?
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