Nogales vs Tucson: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Nogales, AZ and Tucson, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Nogales, AZ | Tucson, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,225 | $67,994▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.40 | $32.68▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,510 | $50,076▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $56,978 | $62,544▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $74,713 | $85,248▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $86,990▲ | $85,248 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 340▲ |
Verdict
Tucson, AZ offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Nogales.
The salary gap between Nogales and Tucson is $4,769 (7.54%). Tucson's median is -0.22% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Nogales spans $41,480,Tucson spans $35,172. Nogales 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, Tucson ($70,172 effective) pays 9.32% more than Nogales ($64,188 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Nogales if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($86,990)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Tucson if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,994/year)
- ✓Larger job market (340 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,172)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Nogales grew 11.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.8% growth in Tucson over the same period.
Nogales, AZ
$53,816 (2024) → $59,986 (2025)
Tucson, AZ
$48,950 (2019) → $64,510 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Nogales, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Nogales or Tucson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Nogales and Tucson?
Should I relocate from Nogales to Tucson as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Nogales vs Tucson?
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