Passaic vs Trenton: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Passaic, NJ and Trenton, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Passaic, NJ | Trenton, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,834▲ | $74,423 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.94▲ | $35.78 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,561 | $56,684▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $65,894▲ | $63,103 |
| 75th Percentile | $96,989▲ | $83,361 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $118,326▲ | $95,187 |
| Total Employed | 18 | 150▲ |
Verdict
Passaic, NJ offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Trenton.
The salary gap between Passaic and Trenton is $2,411 (3.24%). Passaic's median is +12.76% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Passaic spans $61,765,Trenton spans $38,503. Passaic 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, Trenton ($72,129 effective) pays 8.15% more than Passaic ($66,696 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Passaic if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,834/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($118,326)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Trenton if…
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,129)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Passaic grew 4.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.9% growth in Trenton over the same period.
Passaic, NJ
$69,909 (2024) → $72,898 (2025)
Trenton, NJ
$54,360 (2019) → $70,610 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Passaic, NJ
Trenton, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Passaic or Trenton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Passaic and Trenton?
Should I relocate from Passaic to Trenton as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Passaic vs Trenton?
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