Orlando vs Sarasota: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Orlando, FL and Sarasota, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Orlando, FL | Sarasota, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,063 | $65,077▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.28 | $31.28 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,107 | $45,157▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $53,796 | $53,949▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $74,233 | $78,861▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,350 | $94,743▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,490▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Sarasota, FL offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 2 out of 4 metrics compared to Orlando.
The salary gap between Orlando and Sarasota is $14 (0.02%). Sarasota's median is -4.50% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Orlando spans $41,243,Sarasota spans $49,586. Sarasota 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, Sarasota ($64,561 effective) pays 0.63% more than Orlando ($64,153 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Orlando if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,490 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Sarasota if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,077/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($94,743)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,561)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Orlando grew 33.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.2% growth in Sarasota over the same period.
Orlando, FL
$46,320 (2019) → $61,730 (2025)
Sarasota, FL
$52,662 (2024) → $61,743 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Orlando, FL
Sarasota, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Orlando or Sarasota?
What is the hourly rate difference between Orlando and Sarasota?
Should I relocate from Orlando to Sarasota as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Orlando vs Sarasota?
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