Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Braintree, MA: $61,106 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Braintree, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $61,106 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Braintree's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $56,319 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($79,866) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the surgical technologist field in Braintree, Massachusetts can expect a starting salary around $61,106 in 2026. This entry-level figure is notably lower than the median annual salary of $79,866, creating a gap that reflects the initial stages of a career in surgical technology. However, there is significant potential for growth, as these new professionals can anticipate moving up through the pay spectrum, reaching about $70,160 within a few years of experience. Given Braintree’s medical landscape, which includes hospitals and surgical centers, current market conditions suggest it is a favorable environment for fresh graduates eager to start their careers and develop their skills.
About the Braintree Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Braintree
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 Braintree
Entry-level surgical technologists in Braintree, MA typically start between $61,106 and $70,160 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $56,352 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $79,866 — 17.21% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Massachusetts of $20,000 represents just 32.73% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($61,106/year) in Braintree. 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 Braintree
- 1Research the Braintree market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $61,106 to $70,160, 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 MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Braintree, 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 Braintree for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Braintree'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 Braintree is $56,352 ( 92.22%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $61,106, experienced hygienists can earn up to $117,458.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$42,175
2025 BLS Actual
$57,975
2026 Current Est.
$61,106
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Braintree (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,175 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,058 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,605 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,040 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,287 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,897 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,975 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,106 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,405 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Braintree, MA grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $42,175 in 2019 to $57,975 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $64,405. New graduates entering the Braintree job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Braintree 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 Braintree
Employers in Braintree that are inclined to hire new graduate surgical technologists tend to be hospital operating rooms, which often provide general specialty rotations that are ideal for recent graduates. Additionally, ambulatory surgery centers frequently offer a no-call lifestyle, making them attractive options for new technologists. Holding credentials such as a diploma or an associate's degree from a CAAHEP-accredited program and CST certification from the NBSTSA is critical in securing a position, especially since these qualifications became federal hiring standards after 2021. Furthermore, pursuing advanced certifications like robotic surgery (da Vinci) can distinguish candidates and enhance earning potential as they progress in their first few years. Overall, while the starting surgical technologist salary in Braintree may initially seem modest, diligent new graduates can expect meaningful increases, especially those willing to specialize in high-demand areas such as cardiovascular or neurosurgery.
More salary data for Braintree, MA:
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 Braintree. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Braintree 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