Lake Havasu City vs Prescott: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Lake Havasu City, AZ and Prescott, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lake Havasu City, AZ | Prescott, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,893 | $64,759▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.72 | $31.14▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,574 | $49,513▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,364▲ | $56,863 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,485▲ | $79,574 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $110,101▲ | $95,200 |
| Total Employed | 50▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Lake Havasu City and Prescott are closely matched on overall surgical technologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Lake Havasu City and Prescott is $866 (1.36%). Prescott's median is -4.96% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lake Havasu City spans $73,527,Prescott spans $45,687. Lake Havasu City 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, Lake Havasu City ($67,900 effective) pays 3.28% more than Prescott ($65,745 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lake Havasu City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($110,101)
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,900)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Prescott if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,759/year)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Lake Havasu City grew 29.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.8% growth in Prescott over the same period.
Lake Havasu City, AZ
$46,760 (2019) → $60,620 (2025)
Prescott, AZ
$53,510 (2019) → $61,441 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lake Havasu City, AZ
Prescott, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Lake Havasu City or Prescott?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lake Havasu City and Prescott?
Should I relocate from Lake Havasu City to Prescott as a surgical technologist?
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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