Pittsburgh vs West Chester: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Pittsburgh, PA and West Chester, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pittsburgh, PA | West Chester, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,738▲ | $61,485 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.61▲ | $29.56 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,833 | $48,846▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $52,278 | $54,941▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $70,028 | $74,488▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,024 | $87,555▲ |
| Total Employed | 890▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Pittsburgh, PA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to West Chester.
The salary gap between Pittsburgh and West Chester is $4,253 (6.92%). Pittsburgh's median is -3.53% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pittsburgh spans $41,191,West Chester spans $38,709. Pittsburgh 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, Pittsburgh ($69,438 effective) pays 10.00% more than West Chester ($63,126 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Pittsburgh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,738/year)
- ✓Larger job market (890 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,438)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose West Chester if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($87,555)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Pittsburgh grew 40.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.2% growth in West Chester over the same period.
Pittsburgh, PA
$44,560 (2019) → $62,370 (2025)
West Chester, PA
$51,064 (2024) → $58,335 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pittsburgh, PA
West Chester, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Pittsburgh or West Chester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Pittsburgh and West Chester?
Should I relocate from Pittsburgh to West Chester as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Pittsburgh vs West Chester?
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