Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Windsor, CO: $57,603 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Windsor, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $57,603 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Windsor's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $54,860 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($80,037) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates stepping into the role of surgical technologist in Windsor, CO, can expect a starting salary of around $57,603, which is notably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $80,037. This creates an initial gap of $22,434, but the pay trajectory can be promising as these professionals gain experience, with entry-level salaries potentially increasing to $67,626 within a few years. The local job market seems to be favorable for new surgical technologists, suggesting solid growth opportunities for those starting in this field, especially given the projected annual growth rate of 5.40% for the profession.
About the Windsor Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Windsor
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 Windsor
Entry-level surgical technologists in Windsor, CO typically start between $57,603 and $67,626 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $58,665 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $80,037 — 17.46% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Colorado of $14,000 represents just 24.30% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($57,603/year) in Windsor. 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 Windsor
- 1Research the Windsor market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $57,603 to $67,626, 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 Windsor, 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 Windsor for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Windsor'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 Windsor is $58,665 ( 101.84%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $57,603, experienced hygienists can earn up to $116,268.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$39,758
2025 BLS Actual
$54,652
2026 Current Est.
$57,603
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Windsor (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,758 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,590 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,933 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,229 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,347 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,812 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,652 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,603 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,714 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Windsor, CO grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $39,758 in 2019 to $54,652 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $60,714. New graduates entering the Windsor job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Windsor 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 Windsor
Employers in Windsor, including hospital operating rooms and ambulatory surgery centers, are particularly receptive to hiring recent graduates. Most entry-level positions are located within hospital settings, where new surgical technologists can obtain valuable experience with a general specialty rotation. Additionally, working at ambulatory surgery centers may appeal to graduates seeking a no-call lifestyle. To maximize starting pay, new professionals should seek a diploma or an associate's degree from a CAAHEP-accredited program, obtain the CST certification through the NBSTSA, and consider advanced training in areas like robotic surgery or achieving a CSFA credential for surgical first assistants. With a strategic approach in their first few years, surgical technologists in Windsor can anticipate a gradual progression in salary as they establish their careers while adhering to the federal hiring standards that prioritize CAAHEP-accredited training.
More salary data for Windsor, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for surgical technologists in Windsor in 2026?
How fast do surgical technologist salaries grow in Windsor?
Is surgical services school worth it in Windsor?
What do new surgical technologists make right out of school in Windsor?
How do I become a surgical technologist in Colorado?
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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 Windsor. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Windsor 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