Surgical Technologist Salary in 2026
Surgical technologists assist in surgical operations, preparing operating rooms, sterilizing instruments, and passing tools to surgeons. They ensure sterile environments and proper equipment readiness.
Median Salary
$64,650
$5,388/mo
Entry Level
$47,600
starting pay
Senior Level
$79,400
experienced
Job Growth
+6%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Surgical Technologists (SOC 29-2055) at a national median of $64,650 per year (mean $68,710), or $31.08 per hour, with 117,460 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
Surgical Technologist Overview
Surgical technologists assist in surgical operations, preparing operating rooms, sterilizing instruments, and passing tools to surgeons. They ensure sterile environments and proper equipment readiness.
Education
Associate's Degree
Experience
0-2 years
Industry
Healthcare
Total Jobs (US)
117K
5-Year Growth
+10%
Category
Healthcare
Hourly Rate
$31.08/hr
Monthly Pay
$5,388
Surgical Technologist Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Surgical Technologist salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Surgical Technologist Salary
$69,000
$5,750/month · $2,654/biweekly · $33.17/hr
Surgical Technologist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Surgical Technologist field.
Entry-level Surgical Technologists earn around $47,600, while the top 10% earn $85,050 or more.
Top Paying States for Surgical Technologists
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $76,000 | +$11,350 |
| New York | $74,000 | +$9,350 |
| Pennsylvania | $65,000 | +$350 |
| Texas | $63,000 | $-1,650 |
| Florida | $63,000 | $-1,650 |
Top Paying Cities for Surgical Technologists
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $76,000 | +$11,350 |
| Los Angeles | $72,000 | +$7,350 |
| Miami | $66,000 | +$1,350 |
| Philadelphia | $66,000 | +$1,350 |
| Houston | $64,000 | $-650 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Surgical Technologist Salary by City
Published city-level wage and take-home pay guides for Surgical Technologist.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Surgical Technologist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Surgical Technologist from entry level to expert.
$47,600
0-2 years
$64,000
3-7 years
$79,400
8-14 years
$90,700
15+ years
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Surgical Technologist Salary FAQ
How much does a Surgical Technologist make in 2026?
The median salary for a Surgical Technologist in the United States is $64,650 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Surgical Technologists (SOC 29-2055); the mean is $68,710. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $47,600, senior professionals around $79,400, and top earners at $90,700 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Surgical Technologist?
A Surgical Technologist typically requires a Associate's Degree with 0-2 years of experience. Key skills include Sterile Technique, Instrument Handling, Patient Prep. Relevant certifications such as CST Certification or BLS can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Surgical Technologists?
The job market for Surgical Technologists is projected to grow by 6% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 117K Surgical Technologist positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 10%, reflecting steady demand for this role.
Which states pay Surgical Technologists the most?
The highest-paying states for Surgical Technologists include California, Texas, New York. In California, the median salary is approximately $76,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Surgical Technologist salary?
To increase your Surgical Technologist salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Sterile Technique and Instrument Handling. Pursue certifications such as CST Certification. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Los Angeles. With 0-2 years of experience, you can progress from $47,600 to $79,400 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Surgical Technologist Salary
How we calculate Surgical Technologist salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Surgical Technologists (SOC 29-2055), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $64,650, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Surgical Technologists; BLS mean $68,710; BLS hourly median $31.08.
- Entry-level ($47,600) and senior-level ($79,400) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +6% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 117,460 Surgical Technologists jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 10% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Healthcare sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Associate's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $64,650; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Surgical Technologist compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Surgical Technologist job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Healthcare
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Surgical Technologist salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Sterile Technique, Instrument Handling, Patient Prep), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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