Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Clermont, FL: $48,148 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Clermont, FL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,148 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Clermont's local price level (BEA RPP 100.8 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,766 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,746) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the surgical technologist field in Clermont, Florida, can expect a starting salary of approximately $48,148. While entry-level positions may seem modest compared to the city's median annual salary of $62,746, there is a clear growth trajectory for surgical technologists over the initial years of their career. As experience builds, professionals can anticipate their earnings to rise from the lower percentiles at $53,634, potentially reaching the median as they advance through their first three to five years in the field. This outlook indicates that Clermont's market is conducive for new graduates, allowing them to grow both financially and professionally in a supportive healthcare environment.
About the Clermont Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Clermont
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 Clermont
Entry-level surgical technologists in Clermont, FL typically start between $48,148 and $53,634 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $43,985 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,746 — 7.92% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Florida of $10,000 represents just 20.77% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($48,148/year) in Clermont. 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 Clermont
- 1Research the Clermont market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $48,148 to $53,634, 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 FL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Clermont, 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 Clermont for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Clermont'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 Clermont is $43,985 ( 91.35%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,148, experienced hygienists can earn up to $92,133.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,232
2025 BLS Actual
$45,681
2026 Current Est.
$48,148
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Clermont (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,232 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,928 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,722 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,641 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,411 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,648 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,681 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,148 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,748 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Clermont, FL grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,232 in 2019 to $45,681 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $50,748. New graduates entering the Clermont job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clermont 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 Clermont
When evaluating employment opportunities, Clermont features various healthcare facilities that actively recruit new surgical technologists. Hospitals represent the primary employers in this area, where new graduates typically begin in operating rooms, often rotating through general specialties. Ambulatory surgery centers present attractive options as they tend to offer a no-call lifestyle, allowing new grads to maintain a favorable work-life balance. To enhance their starting pay in Florida, fresh graduates should prioritize obtaining credentials such as a diploma or associate's degree from a CAAHEP-accredited program, as well as securing CST certification from the NBSTSA. In the first three years, career growth is achievable through continued education, particularly in high-demand specialties such as cardiovascular or neurosurgery. Pursuing additional credentials like robotic surgery (da Vinci) certification can significantly elevate a surgical technologist’s marketability and earning potential. With commitment to professional development, new grads can establish a solid foundation that leads to meaningful advancement in an evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Clermont, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for surgical technologists in Clermont in 2026?
How fast do surgical technologist salaries grow in Clermont?
Is surgical services school worth it in Clermont?
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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 Clermont. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Clermont 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