Kansas City vs University City: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Kansas City, MO and University City, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kansas City, MO | University City, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,612▲ | $63,510 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.55▲ | $30.53 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,128▲ | $45,792 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,594▲ | $53,575 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,389▲ | $77,307 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,931 | $89,677▲ |
| Total Employed | 980▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Kansas City, MO offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to University City.
The salary gap between Kansas City and University City is $2,102 (3.31%). 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 Kansas City spans $34,803,University City spans $43,885. University City 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, Kansas City ($70,899 effective) pays 0.02% more than University City ($70,882 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose University City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($89,677)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Kansas City grew 32.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 31.2% growth in University City over the same period.
Kansas City, MO
$46,960 (2019) → $62,250 (2025)
University City, MO
$45,934 (2024) → $60,256 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kansas City, MO
University City, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Kansas City or University City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kansas City and University City?
Should I relocate from Kansas City to University City as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Kansas City vs University 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