Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Haverhill, MA: $57,370 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Haverhill, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $57,370 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Haverhill's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $52,876 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($83,000) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Haverhill, Massachusetts, the starting salary for an entry-level surgical technologist is projected at $57,370 in 2026. This figure represents a significant entry point, particularly when compared to the median annual salary of $83,000 for all surgical technologists in the area, highlighting a gap that newly graduated professionals should anticipate. Over the initial years, starting at this base pay can lead to increased earnings, as entry-level surgical technologists gain experience and skills. The realistic growth trajectory shows potential earnings of approximately $68,640 after gaining some experience, which helps new graduates understand their earning potential in this sector in Haverhill's job market.
About the Haverhill Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Haverhill
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 Haverhill
Entry-level surgical technologists in Haverhill, MA typically start between $57,370 and $68,640 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $63,188 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $83,000 — 21.81% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Massachusetts of $20,000 represents just 34.86% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($57,370/year) in Haverhill. 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 Haverhill
- 1Research the Haverhill market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $57,370 to $68,640, 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 Haverhill, 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 Haverhill for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Haverhill'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 Haverhill is $63,188 ( 110.14%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $57,370, experienced hygienists can earn up to $120,558.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$39,597
2025 BLS Actual
$54,431
2026 Current Est.
$57,370
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Haverhill (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,597 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,426 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,756 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,042 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,151 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,553 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,431 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,370 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,468 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Haverhill, MA grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $39,597 in 2019 to $54,431 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $60,468. New graduates entering the Haverhill job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Haverhill 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 Haverhill
In Haverhill, various employers are looking to recruit newly graduated surgical technologists, primarily within hospitals, which often provide general specialty rotations that can help new hires diversify their skills. Ambulatory surgery centers represent another viable option for new grads seeking a more predictable work-life balance without the burden of on-call duties. To enhance starting pay, new surgical technologists should focus on obtaining credentials such as the CST certification from the NBSTSA, as well as completing their training from a CAAHEP-accredited program—key requirements since 2021. Early career strategies should involve seeking specialized experience, as fields like cardiovascular and neurosurgery tend to offer higher pay. Furthermore, gaining certifications in robotic surgery can give graduates a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving field. By aligning career goals with market demands, entry-level professionals can anticipate a stable growth trajectory within their first few years in Haverhill, MA.
More salary data for Haverhill, 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 Haverhill. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Haverhill 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