Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Kailua, HI: $58,848 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Kailua, HI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $58,848 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kailua's local price level (BEA RPP 119.3 — 19% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,328 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($80,585) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Salaries for entry-level surgical technologists in Kailua, Hawaii, present a promising outlook for new graduates in 2026. With starting salaries around $58,848, those entering the field can expect to build their income within the first few years. This starting figure is notably lower than the city's median annual salary of $80,585. However, the growth potential is significant: new graduates can look forward to earning around $68,529 within a few years as they gain experience and skill. Given the projected annual growth rate of 5.40%, Kailua reflects a strong employment market for surgical technologists, making it an attractive option for recent graduates eager to start their careers.
About the Kailua Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kailua
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 Kailua
Entry-level surgical technologists in Kailua, HI typically start between $58,848 and $68,529 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $58,667 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $80,585 — 18.26% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Hawaii of $14,000 represents just 23.79% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($58,848/year) in Kailua. 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 Kailua
- 1Research the Kailua market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $58,848 to $68,529, 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 Kailua, 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 Kailua for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Kailua'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 Kailua is $58,667 ( 99.69%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $58,848, experienced hygienists can earn up to $117,515.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$40,617
2025 BLS Actual
$55,833
2026 Current Est.
$58,848
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Kailua (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,617 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,468 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,883 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,228 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,392 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,424 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,833 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,848 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,026 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Kailua, HI grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $40,617 in 2019 to $55,833 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $62,026. New graduates entering the Kailua job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kailua 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 Kailua
In Kailua, key employers, primarily hospital surgical departments, actively seek new surgical technologist graduates for general specialty rotations. Ambulatory surgery centers also present attractive opportunities, as they often provide a no-call work environment, making them appealing for entry-level candidates. Achieving the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) is essential for new grads, as it has become a federal hiring standard since 2021. Completing a diploma or associate's degree from a CAAHEP-accredited program can enhance earning potential, while pursuing continuing education, such as robotic surgery certification, further differentiates an applicant in a competitive field. In this remarkably diverse surgical landscape, initial salary growth as a new grad in Kailua can be expected to reach the market median within a few years, particularly for those willing to specialize in higher-demand areas like cardiovascular and neurosurgery.
More salary data for Kailua, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for surgical technologists in Kailua in 2026?
How fast do surgical technologist salaries grow in Kailua?
Is surgical services school worth it in Kailua?
What do new surgical technologists make right out of school in Kailua?
How do I become a surgical technologist in Hawaii?
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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 Kailua. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kailua 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