Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Hilo, HI: $57,218 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Hilo, HI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $57,218 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hilo's local price level (BEA RPP 119.3 — 19% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,961 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($77,140) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the surgical technologist field in Hilo, HI, the starting pay can be a crucial factor to consider. In 2026, the projected entry-level surgical technologist salary Hilo is set at $57,218, which is distinctly lower than the city's median annual salary of $77,140. This gap indicates that new grads will initially earn about 26% less than the overall median but can expect a growth trajectory over the first three to five years. With demonstrated skills and experience, new surgical technologists can realistically anticipate moving from entry-level earnings toward the 25th percentile salary of $66,193 and eventually reaching or even surpassing the median. Given Hilo's projected growth rate of 5.40% annually, it’s evident that the market holds promise for new graduates aiming to establish themselves in the healthcare field.
About the Hilo Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hilo
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 Hilo
Entry-level surgical technologists in Hilo, HI typically start between $57,218 and $66,193 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $56,267 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $77,140 — 13.21% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Hawaii of $14,000 represents just 24.47% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($57,218/year) in Hilo. 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 Hilo
- 1Research the Hilo market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $57,218 to $66,193, 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 HI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Hilo, 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 Hilo for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Hilo's above-average cost of living (index: 119.3) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Surgical Technologist Compensation Range
The surgical technologist wage spread in Hilo is $56,267 ( 98.34%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $57,218, experienced hygienists can earn up to $113,485.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$39,492
2025 BLS Actual
$54,287
2026 Current Est.
$57,218
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Hilo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,492 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,319 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,640 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,921 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,024 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,943 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,287 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,218 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,308 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Hilo, HI grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $39,492 in 2019 to $54,287 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $60,308. New graduates entering the Hilo job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hilo 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 Hilo
In Hilo, hospitals and outpatient surgical centers actively hire new graduates from CAAHEP-accredited programs. Many first-job opportunities are available within hospital operating rooms, typically accommodating general surgical specialties, while ambulatory surgery centers often provide a more favorable work-life balance with no on-call shifts. To improve new grad surgical technologist pay in HI, obtaining CST certification from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) is essential, especially with the federal hiring standard mandating such credentials since 2021. For those aiming for higher earning potential, additional certifications, like the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) and robotic surgery training, can significantly boost starting salaries, particularly in specialties like cardiovascular and neurosurgery. In these first few years, it’s realistic for entry-level surgical technologists to see salary increases that reflect their growing expertise and contributions within the surgical team in Hilo.
More salary data for Hilo, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for surgical technologists in Hilo in 2026?
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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 Hilo. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hilo 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