Stillwater vs Tulsa: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Stillwater, OK and Tulsa, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Stillwater, OK | Tulsa, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,928 | $62,787▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.33 | $30.19▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,805 | $53,143▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,107 | $55,567▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $73,956▲ | $66,982 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $90,034▲ | $76,426 |
| Total Employed | 13 | 560▲ |
Verdict
Tulsa, OK offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Stillwater.
The salary gap between Stillwater and Tulsa is $3,859 (6.55%). Tulsa's median is -7.86% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Stillwater spans $47,229,Tulsa spans $23,283. Stillwater 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, Tulsa ($70,378 effective) pays 6.17% more than Stillwater ($66,286 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Stillwater if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,034)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Tulsa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,787/year)
- ✓Larger job market (560 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,378)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Stillwater grew 29.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 55.7% growth in Tulsa over the same period.
Stillwater, OK
$43,240 (2024) → $55,909 (2025)
Tulsa, OK
$38,270 (2019) → $59,570 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Stillwater, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Stillwater or Tulsa?
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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