Lafayette vs Shreveport: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Lafayette, LA and Shreveport, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lafayette, LA | Shreveport, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $56,674▲ | $54,566 |
| Hourly Rate | $27.25▲ | $26.23 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,906 | $43,119▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $53,311▲ | $49,559 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,812▲ | $63,377 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $74,423▲ | $70,049 |
| Total Employed | 220 | 230▲ |
Verdict
Lafayette, LA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Shreveport.
The salary gap between Lafayette and Shreveport is $2,108 (3.86%). Lafayette's median is -16.83% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lafayette spans $33,517,Shreveport spans $26,930. Lafayette 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, Lafayette ($64,986 effective) pays 0.95% more than Shreveport ($64,373 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lafayette if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($56,674/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($74,423)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,986)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Shreveport if…
- ✓Larger job market (230 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Lafayette grew 42.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 36.8% growth in Shreveport over the same period.
Lafayette, LA
$37,860 (2019) → $53,770 (2025)
Shreveport, LA
$37,830 (2019) → $51,770 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lafayette, LA
Shreveport, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Lafayette or Shreveport?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lafayette and Shreveport?
Should I relocate from Lafayette to Shreveport as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Lafayette vs Shreveport?
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