Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Franklin, MA: $59,124 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Franklin, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $59,124 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Franklin's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $54,492 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($78,896) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduate surgical technologists in Franklin, Massachusetts, can expect a starting salary around $59,124, positioning them below the city’s median annual salary of $78,896. This starting pay reflects the entry-level phase, suggesting that early-career professionals may need to build experience before reaching higher salary ranges. Within the first three to five years, there's potential for growth, with entry-level technologists moving up the pay scale to approximately $66,393 as they gain skills and experience. The favorable job market in Franklin makes it an appealing destination for new grads seeking roles in surgical technology, particularly as healthcare facilities in the area continue to expand.
About the Franklin Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Franklin
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 Franklin
Entry-level surgical technologists in Franklin, MA typically start between $59,124 and $66,393 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $54,863 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $78,896 — 15.78% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Massachusetts of $20,000 represents just 33.83% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($59,124/year) in Franklin. 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 Franklin
- 1Research the Franklin market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $59,124 to $66,393, 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 Franklin, 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 Franklin for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Franklin'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 Franklin is $54,863 ( 92.79%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $59,124, experienced hygienists can earn up to $113,987.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$40,807
2025 BLS Actual
$56,095
2026 Current Est.
$59,124
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Franklin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,807 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,662 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,093 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,450 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,623 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,150 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,095 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,124 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,317 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Franklin, MA grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $40,807 in 2019 to $56,095 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $62,317. New graduates entering the Franklin job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Franklin 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 Franklin
In Franklin, the primary employers for entry-level surgical technologists are hospital operating rooms, which generally favor new graduates with a general specialty rotation. Ambulatory surgery centers offer attractive no-call options, appealing to those entering the field. It’s important for new surgical technologists to ensure they have the necessary qualifications, such as a diploma or associate's degree from a CAAHEP-accredited program and certification through NBSTSA. Expanding one's credentials with additional certifications, like robotic surgery competency or a CSFA designation, can also substantially enhance earning potential. Those in their first few years can expect competitive growth rates, especially in high-demand specialties such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery, making Franklin a promising start for anyone entering the surgical technologist profession.
More salary data for Franklin, 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 Franklin. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Franklin 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