Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Commerce City, CO: $56,722 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Commerce City, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $56,722 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Commerce City's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $54,021 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($78,668) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Salaries for new surgical technologists entering the workforce in Commerce City, Colorado, in 2026 are projected to start at around $56,722 per year. This figure highlights a notable gap when compared to the city's median annual salary of $78,668, indicating that entry-level roles can significantly underrepresent overall compensation trends in the region. However, with experience, new graduates can anticipate a natural progression in their earnings. Within the first three to five years, salary growth opportunities can elevate them toward the 25th percentile, which averages $66,636, as they gain experience and further develop their skills. As the demand for surgical technologists grows at an annual rate of 5.40%, Commerce City presents a promising job market for recent graduates in this field, making it a favorable location for launching a surgical technology career.
About the Commerce City Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Commerce City
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Commerce City
Entry-level surgical technologists in Commerce City, CO typically start between $56,722 and $66,636 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $59,973 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $78,668 — 15.45% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Colorado of $14,000 represents just 24.68% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($56,722/year) in Commerce City. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAAHEP/ARC-STSA-accredited surgical technology program data and community college tuition reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type (community college vs. private vocational) and program length.
Surg Tech, CST Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Commerce City
- 1Research the Commerce City market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $56,722 to $66,636, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the surgical services field — employers in CO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Commerce City, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Commerce City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Commerce City's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Surgical Technologist Compensation Range
The surgical technologist wage spread in Commerce City is $59,973 ( 105.73%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $56,722, experienced hygienists can earn up to $116,695.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$39,150
2025 BLS Actual
$53,816
2026 Current Est.
$56,722
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Commerce City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,150 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,970 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,261 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,522 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,607 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,171 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,816 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,722 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,785 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Commerce City, CO grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $39,150 in 2019 to $53,816 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $59,785. New graduates entering the Commerce City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Commerce City metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.40% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your surgical services Career in Commerce City
Employment opportunities in Commerce City are predominantly found within hospital operating rooms, which typically provide the best pathways for newly graduated surgical technologists. Many hospitals favor candidates with a general specialty rotation, while ambulatory surgery centers often appeal to new grads by offering no-call lifestyles, making them attractive first jobs. To enhance their marketability, entry-level professionals should secure credentials from a CAAHEP-accredited program, and obtaining CST certification through the NBSTSA is increasingly essential in a landscape where such qualifications have become the federal standard since 2021. Additionally, new graduates may find that specialties such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery not only command higher salaries but also represent significant career advancement opportunities. Certification in robotic surgery can serve as a vital differentiator for those seeking to enhance their career prospects within the new grad surgical technologist pay landscape in CO, allowing for better salary growth and job stability in their first three years.
More salary data for Commerce City, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new surgical services graduates. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Commerce City. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Commerce City is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.40%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for surgical technologists (SOC 29-2055).
Compiled and verified by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov