Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Fall River, MA: $61,158 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Fall River, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $61,158 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Fall River's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $56,367 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($81,689) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting salaries for new grad surgical technologists in Fall River, MA are estimated to be around $61,158 in 2026. While this figure may seem modest when compared to the median salary of $81,689 in the city, it reflects the entry-level pay expected in a competitive healthcare market. Over the first few years, entry-level professionals can anticipate growth in their earnings, moving from initial rates to approximately $70,888, and potentially reaching the median salary as they gain experience. Given the projected salary growth of 5.40% annually, Fall River presents a solid opportunity for recent graduates entering the field, especially when considering the demand for surgical techs in local healthcare facilities.
About the Fall River Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Fall River
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 Fall River
Entry-level surgical technologists in Fall River, MA typically start between $61,158 and $70,888 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $62,841 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $81,689 — 19.88% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Massachusetts of $20,000 represents just 32.70% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($61,158/year) in Fall River. 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 Fall River
- 1Research the Fall River market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $61,158 to $70,888, 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 Fall River, 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 Fall River for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Fall River'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 Fall River is $62,841 ( 102.75%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $61,158, experienced hygienists can earn up to $123,999.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$42,211
2025 BLS Actual
$58,025
2026 Current Est.
$61,158
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Fall River (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,211 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,096 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,645 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,083 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,331 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,957 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,025 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,158 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,461 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Fall River, MA grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $42,211 in 2019 to $58,025 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $64,461. New graduates entering the Fall River job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fall River 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 Fall River
Several employers in Fall River are keen on hiring new graduates for surgical technologist roles, particularly in hospital operating rooms where many entry-level certified surgical technologists (CSTs) will begin their careers. Ambulatory surgery centers are also appealing, offering a no-call lifestyle while still providing foundational experiences. New graduates should ensure they hold credentials from a CAAHEP-accredited program to meet the federal hiring standards established in 2021, as well as secure CST certification from the NBSTSA. For those looking to boost their starting pay, further credentials, including BLS certification and optional certification as a surgical first assistant (CSFA), can be advantageous. As new surgical technologists work in competitive specialties such as cardiovascular or neurosurgery, opportunities for advancement and salary increases significantly improve, leading to a higher earning potential within the first three years of employment in this thriving city.
More salary data for Fall River, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for surgical technologists in Fall River in 2026?
How fast do surgical technologist salaries grow in Fall River?
Is surgical services school worth it in Fall River?
What do new surgical technologists make right out of school in Fall River?
How do I become a surgical technologist in Massachusetts?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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 Fall River. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fall River 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