Spokane vs Wenatchee: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Spokane, WA and Wenatchee, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Spokane, WA | Wenatchee, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $75,920▲ | $67,024 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.50▲ | $32.22 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,878▲ | $42,086 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,123▲ | $55,546 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,369 | $90,770▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $95,513 | $107,297▲ |
| Total Employed | 260▲ | 50 |
Verdict
Spokane, WA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wenatchee.
The salary gap between Spokane and Wenatchee is $8,896 (13.27%). Spokane's median is +11.42% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Spokane spans $43,635,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, Spokane ($75,658 effective) pays 17.23% 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 Spokane if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($75,920/year)
- ✓Larger job market (260 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,658)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Wenatchee if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($107,297)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Spokane grew 26.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.0% growth in Wenatchee over the same period.
Spokane, WA
$56,930 (2019) → $72,030 (2025)
Wenatchee, WA
$54,350 (2019) → $63,590 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Spokane, WA
Wenatchee, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Spokane or Wenatchee?
What is the hourly rate difference between Spokane and Wenatchee?
Should I relocate from Spokane to Wenatchee as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Spokane 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