Seattle vs Wenatchee: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Seattle, WA and Wenatchee, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Seattle, WA | Wenatchee, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,215▲ | $67,024 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.48▲ | $32.22 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,460▲ | $42,086 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,117▲ | $55,546 |
| 75th Percentile | $105,084▲ | $90,770 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $110,364▲ | $107,297 |
| Total Employed | 1,460▲ | 50 |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wenatchee.
The salary gap between Seattle and Wenatchee is $17,191 (25.65%). Seattle's median is +23.59% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Seattle spans $47,904,Wenatchee spans $65,211. Wenatchee 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, Seattle ($75,779 effective) pays 17.42% more than Wenatchee ($64,536 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,215/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($110,364)
- ✓Larger job market (1,460 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,779)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Wenatchee if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Seattle grew 32.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.0% growth in Wenatchee over the same period.
Seattle, WA
$60,280 (2019) → $79,900 (2025)
Wenatchee, WA
$54,350 (2019) → $63,590 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Seattle, WA
Wenatchee, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Seattle or Wenatchee?
What is the hourly rate difference between Seattle and Wenatchee?
Should I relocate from Seattle to Wenatchee as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Seattle vs Wenatchee?
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