Philadelphia vs State College: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Philadelphia, PA and State College, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Philadelphia, PA | State College, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $73,411▲ | $62,627 |
| Hourly Rate | $35.30▲ | $30.11 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,425▲ | $46,948 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,420▲ | $54,106 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,764▲ | $77,445 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,299 | $92,872▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,020▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to State College.
The salary gap between Philadelphia and State College is $10,784 (17.22%). Philadelphia's median is +7.73% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Philadelphia spans $32,874,State College spans $45,924. State College 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, Philadelphia ($71,583 effective) pays 11.33% more than State College ($64,299 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($73,411/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,020 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,583)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose State College if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($92,872)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Philadelphia grew 50.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 37.8% growth in State College over the same period.
Philadelphia, PA
$46,440 (2019) → $69,650 (2025)
State College, PA
$43,110 (2019) → $59,418 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Philadelphia, PA
State College, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Philadelphia or State College?
What is the hourly rate difference between Philadelphia and State College?
Should I relocate from Philadelphia to State College as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Philadelphia vs State College?
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