Peoria vs Tucson: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Peoria, AZ and Tucson, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Peoria, AZ | Tucson, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,595▲ | $67,994 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.98▲ | $32.68 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,622 | $50,076▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $56,063 | $62,544▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $83,813 | $85,248▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $106,323▲ | $85,248 |
| Total Employed | 33 | 340▲ |
Verdict
Peoria, AZ offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tucson.
The salary gap between Peoria and Tucson is $601 (0.88%). Peoria's median is +0.67% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Peoria spans $59,701,Tucson spans $35,172. Peoria 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 0.76% more than Peoria ($69,640 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Peoria if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,595/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($106,323)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Tucson if…
- ✓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 Peoria grew 11.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.8% growth in Tucson over the same period.
Peoria, AZ
$58,387 (2024) → $65,081 (2025)
Tucson, AZ
$48,950 (2019) → $64,510 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Peoria, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Peoria or Tucson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Peoria and Tucson?
Should I relocate from Peoria to Tucson as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Peoria 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