Mobile vs Pelham: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Mobile, AL and Pelham, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Mobile, AL | Pelham, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $52,605▲ | $47,917 |
| Hourly Rate | $25.29▲ | $23.04 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,009▲ | $37,127 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,718▲ | $42,096 |
| 75th Percentile | $61,374▲ | $57,426 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $63,704 | $67,167▲ |
| Total Employed | 240▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Mobile, AL offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Pelham.
The salary gap between Mobile and Pelham is $4,688 (9.78%). Mobile's median is -22.80% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mobile spans $24,695,Pelham spans $30,040. Pelham has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced surgical technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Mobile ($59,712 effective) pays 9.54% more than Pelham ($54,513 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Mobile if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($52,605/year)
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $59,712)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Pelham if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($67,167)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Mobile grew 36.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.5% growth in Pelham over the same period.
Mobile, AL
$36,570 (2019) → $49,910 (2025)
Pelham, AL
$39,018 (2024) → $45,462 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Mobile, AL
Pelham, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Mobile or Pelham?
What is the hourly rate difference between Mobile and Pelham?
Should I relocate from Mobile to Pelham as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Mobile vs Pelham?
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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