Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Framingham, MA: $57,574 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Framingham, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $57,574 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Framingham's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $53,064 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($82,941) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the surgical technologist field in Framingham, Massachusetts, can expect starting salaries around $57,574 in 2026. This entry-level pay is noticeably lower than the city's median annual salary of $82,941, indicating a significant gap that new grads must consider when evaluating their first job offers. However, those entering the workforce can anticipate a growth trajectory that allows for increased earnings as they gain experience, with salaries reaching approximately $68,519 after a few years in the role. Framingham presents a favorable market for surgical technologists as the projected growth rate for this occupation is 5.40% annually, suggesting ongoing demand for qualified individuals in this field.
About the Framingham Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Framingham
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 Framingham
Entry-level surgical technologists in Framingham, MA typically start between $57,574 and $68,519 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $65,592 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $82,941 — 21.72% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Massachusetts of $20,000 represents just 34.74% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($57,574/year) in Framingham. 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 Framingham
- 1Research the Framingham market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $57,574 to $68,519, 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 Framingham, 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 Framingham for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Framingham'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 Framingham is $65,592 ( 113.93%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $57,574, experienced hygienists can earn up to $123,166.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$39,737
2025 BLS Actual
$54,624
2026 Current Est.
$57,574
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Framingham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,737 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,570 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,911 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,206 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,322 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,736 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,624 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,574 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,683 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Framingham, MA grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $39,737 in 2019 to $54,624 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $60,683. New graduates entering the Framingham job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Framingham 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 Framingham
When exploring employment opportunities in Framingham, numerous local hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers actively hire new surgical technologists, often for positions requiring general specialty rotations. While specialty surgical centers may prefer candidates with more experience, they still offer great potential for recent graduates. To enhance initial salary prospects, pursuing credentials like the CST certification from NBSTSA and graduating from a CAAHEP-accredited program is vital, particularly since these qualifications align with the federal hiring standard established post-2021. New graduates should strategically consider roles in high-demand specialties like cardiovascular or neurosurgery, which can offer higher salary potential. Furthermore, obtaining certifications in robotic surgery may provide a competitive edge in the job market. Realistic salary growth within the first few years can lead to earning closer to the median as one's experience and skill set expand in this dynamic healthcare environment.
More salary data for Framingham, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for surgical technologists in Framingham in 2026?
How fast do surgical technologist salaries grow in Framingham?
Is surgical services school worth it in Framingham?
What do new surgical technologists make right out of school in Framingham?
How do I become a surgical technologist in Massachusetts?
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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 Framingham. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Framingham 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