Surgical Technologist Salary.
Across 30 U.S. cities.
$57,000
national median salary
$47,000 to $69,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$79,000
San Jose, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$59,000
Seattle, WA
Lowest Paying
$43,000
Charleston, WV
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average Surgical Technologist salary in the United States is $57,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $47,000 at the 25th percentile to $69,000 at the 75th. San Jose pays the most at $79,000, while Seattle offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Surgical specialty drives compensation, with cardiovascular, neuro, and robotic surgery techs earning the most.
Surgical Technologist salary by city
What you should know
Surgical specialty drives compensation, with cardiovascular, neuro, and robotic surgery techs earning the most. Certification through NBSTSA is increasingly required and commands higher pay. Level I trauma centers and academic medical centers pay above community hospitals, and call pay for after-hours coverage adds meaningful income.
New surgical techs start at $45,000 to $50,000 with certification. Experienced techs in specialty ORs earn $58,000 to $68,000 after five years. Lead surgical techs or first assistants can reach $70,000 to $82,000, with surgical first assist certification opening the highest pay tier.
Surgical techs receive call pay of $3 to $6 per hour when on standby, plus overtime for emergency cases. Benefits include health insurance, scrub allowances, and certification renewal reimbursement. Some hospitals offer retention bonuses in tight labor markets.