Surg Tech Salary

Lansing vs Saginaw: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare surgical technologist salaries between Lansing, MI and Saginaw, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Lansing, MI
$66,729
$32.08/hr
Saginaw, MI
$57,411
$27.60/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLansing, MISaginaw, MI
Median Salary$66,729$57,411
Hourly Rate$32.08$27.60
Entry Level (P10)$39,525$42,792
25th Percentile$48,937$53,027
75th Percentile$80,536$63,092
Top Earner (P90)$85,184$68,679
Total Employed19090
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Lansing ($66,729) and Saginaw ($57,411) surgical technologist salaries.LansingSaginawMedian Salary$66,729$57,411Entry Level (P10)$39,525$42,792Top Earner (P90)$85,184$68,679US Median $68,141

Verdict

Lansing, MI offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Saginaw.

The salary gap between Lansing and Saginaw is $9,318 (16.23%). Lansing's median is -2.07% compared to the US national median of $68,141.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lansing spans $45,659,Saginaw spans $25,887. Lansing has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Lansing
P10 (Entry)$39,525
P25$48,937
Median$66,729
P75$80,536
P90 (Top)$85,184
Saginaw
P10 (Entry)$42,792
P25$53,027
Median$57,411
P75$63,092
P90 (Top)$68,679

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Lansing ($70,248 effective) pays 11.21% more than Saginaw ($63,165 effective).

Lansing
Nominal: $66,729
CoL Index: 94.991
Adjusted: $70,248
Saginaw
Nominal: $57,411
CoL Index: 90.891
Adjusted: $63,165

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Lansing if…

  • Higher median salary ($66,729/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($85,184)
  • Larger job market (190 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,248)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Choose Saginaw if…

  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Lansing grew 32.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.1% growth in Saginaw over the same period.

Lansing, MI

+32.4%

$47,830 (2019) → $63,310 (2025)

Saginaw, MI

+20.1%

$45,360 (2019) → $54,470 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays surgical technologists more: Lansing or Saginaw?

Lansing has a higher median surgical technologist salary at $66,729/year, compared to Saginaw at $57,411/year — a difference of $9,318 (16.23%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Lansing and Saginaw?

Lansing surgical technologists earn $32.08/hr while Saginaw hygienists earn $27.60/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Lansing to Saginaw as a surgical technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Lansing and Saginaw. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Lansing = $70,248, Saginaw = $63,165), job availability (190 vs 90 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Lansing vs Saginaw?

Entry-level (10th percentile) surgical technologists earn $39,525 in Lansing and $42,792 in Saginaw. The Saginaw area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JT

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.

Clinically reviewed by Carlos Ramirez, AAS, CSTData verified by Fatima Ali, BS, CST

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