Orem vs Provo: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Orem, UT and Provo, UT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Orem, UT | Provo, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,056 | $64,737▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.80 | $31.12▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,235 | $48,748▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $54,996▲ | $51,541 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,920▲ | $78,312 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $98,749▲ | $87,356 |
| Total Employed | 24 | 250▲ |
Verdict
Provo, UT offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Orem.
The salary gap between Orem and Provo is $681 (1.06%). Provo's median is -5.00% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Orem spans $51,514,Provo spans $38,608. Orem 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, Provo ($65,902 effective) pays 0.93% more than Orem ($65,297 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Orem if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($98,749)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Choose Provo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,737/year)
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,902)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Orem grew 12.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 45.8% growth in Provo over the same period.
Orem, UT
$53,814 (2024) → $60,774 (2025)
Provo, UT
$42,120 (2019) → $61,420 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Orem or Provo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Orem and Provo?
Should I relocate from Orem to Provo as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Orem vs Provo?
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