Leavenworth vs Wichita: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Leavenworth, KS and Wichita, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Leavenworth, KS | Wichita, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,574▲ | $56,863 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.12▲ | $27.34 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,669 | $47,356▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,496 | $52,995▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $73,127▲ | $65,590 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $90,638▲ | $68,921 |
| Total Employed | 8 | 300▲ |
Verdict
Leavenworth, KS offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wichita.
The salary gap between Leavenworth and Wichita is $3,711 (6.53%). Leavenworth's median is -11.10% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Leavenworth spans $47,969,Wichita spans $21,565. Leavenworth 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, Leavenworth ($66,638 effective) pays 4.24% more than Wichita ($63,930 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Leavenworth if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,574/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,638)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,638)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Wichita if…
- ✓Larger job market (300 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Leavenworth grew 24.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 40.0% growth in Wichita over the same period.
Leavenworth, KS
$46,226 (2024) → $57,471 (2025)
Wichita, KS
$38,530 (2019) → $53,950 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Leavenworth, KS
Wichita, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Leavenworth or Wichita?
What is the hourly rate difference between Leavenworth and Wichita?
Should I relocate from Leavenworth to Wichita as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Leavenworth vs Wichita?
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