Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Sunrise, FL: $45,581 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Sunrise, FL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $45,581 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Sunrise's local price level (BEA RPP 100.8 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $45,219 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($63,251) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sunrise, Florida, those looking at entry-level surgical technologist positions can expect a starting salary around $45,581 in 2026. While this figure indicates a significant entry threshold, it falls short of the city’s median annual salary of $63,251, highlighting a distinct gap for newly graduated professionals entering the workforce. Over the first three to five years, entry-level surgical technologists may experience salary progression moving from the P10 range towards P25, estimated at $53,703, ultimately aiming to reach or exceed the city median as they gain experience. Given the projected annual growth rate of 5.40%, Sunrise appears to be a supportive market for new graduates, providing ample opportunities for career advancement within healthcare settings.
About the Sunrise Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Sunrise
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 Sunrise
Entry-level surgical technologists in Sunrise, FL typically start between $45,581 and $53,703 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $48,618 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $63,251 — 7.18% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Florida of $10,000 represents just 21.94% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($45,581/year) in Sunrise. 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 Sunrise
- 1Research the Sunrise market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $45,581 to $53,703, 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 Sunrise, 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 Sunrise for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Sunrise'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 Sunrise is $48,618 ( 106.66%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $45,581, experienced hygienists can earn up to $94,199.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,460
2025 BLS Actual
$43,246
2026 Current Est.
$45,581
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Sunrise (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,460 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,119 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,764 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,581 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,257 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,606 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,246 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,581 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,043 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Sunrise, FL grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,460 in 2019 to $43,246 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,043. New graduates entering the Sunrise job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sunrise 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 Sunrise
Several employers in Sunrise are particularly receptive to hiring new graduates as surgical technologists. Hospitals typically offer robust training programs for surgical technology, especially in general specialty rotation, while ambulatory surgery centers provide attractive alternatives with no-call lifestyles. For those entering the field, obtaining a diploma or an associate's degree from a CAAHEP-accredited program is essential, along with CST certification through the NBSTSA. To enhance earning potential, candidates should consider additional certifications, such as a CSFA for surgical first assist roles or training in robotic surgery (da Vinci), which is increasingly sought after among employers. Within the first few years in this profession, new surgical technologists in Sunrise can expect salary growth as they accumulate experience and may venture into higher-paying specialties, such as cardiovascular or neurosurgery.
More salary data for Sunrise, FL:
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 Sunrise. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Sunrise 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