Kirkland vs Seattle: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Kirkland, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kirkland, WA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $77,222 | $84,215▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $37.12 | $40.48▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,813 | $62,460▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $63,261 | $66,117▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $94,544 | $105,084▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $113,735▲ | $110,364 |
| Total Employed | 13 | 1,460▲ |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kirkland.
The salary gap between Kirkland and Seattle is $6,993 (9.06%). Seattle's median is +23.59% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kirkland spans $60,922,Seattle spans $47,904. Kirkland 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, Seattle ($75,779 effective) pays 5.39% more than Kirkland ($71,901 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kirkland if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($113,735)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,215/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,460 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,779)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Kirkland grew -4.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.5% growth in Seattle over the same period.
Kirkland, WA
$77,066 (2024) → $73,266 (2025)
Seattle, WA
$60,280 (2019) → $79,900 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kirkland, WA
Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Kirkland or Seattle?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kirkland and Seattle?
Should I relocate from Kirkland to Seattle as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Kirkland vs Seattle?
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