Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Lawrence, MA: $58,941 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Lawrence, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $58,941 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lawrence's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $54,324 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($80,700) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the surgical technology field in Lawrence, Massachusetts, the starting surgical technologist salary is projected to be around $58,941 in 2026. This figure presents an initial gap when compared to the city's median annual salary of $80,700, indicating that new graduates will likely earn less than seasoned professionals. However, with time and experience, salaries can rise significantly; entry-level technologists can expect to transition from their initial pay to the P25 of $68,860 within the first few years of their careers. Given the ongoing demand and approximately 5.40% growth rate in this sector, newly minted surgical technologists can find Lawrence to be a favorable job market for launching their careers.
About the Lawrence Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lawrence
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 Lawrence
Entry-level surgical technologists in Lawrence, MA typically start between $58,941 and $68,860 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $61,813 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $80,700 — 18.43% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Massachusetts of $20,000 represents just 33.93% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($58,941/year) in Lawrence. 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 Lawrence
- 1Research the Lawrence market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $58,941 to $68,860, 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 Lawrence, 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 Lawrence for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lawrence'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 Lawrence is $61,813 ( 104.87%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $58,941, experienced hygienists can earn up to $120,754.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$40,681
2025 BLS Actual
$55,921
2026 Current Est.
$58,941
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,681 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,533 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,953 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,303 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,470 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,998 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,921 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,941 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,124 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Lawrence, MA grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $40,681 in 2019 to $55,921 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $62,124. New graduates entering the Lawrence job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence 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 Lawrence
In Lawrence, multiple types of employers are looking for fresh talent in surgical technology, with hospitals often being the primary source of recruitment for newly certified surgical technologists. General Operating Rooms typically offer positions to new graduates, while ambulatory surgery centers provide an appealing no-call lifestyle; however, specialty surgical centers like orthopedic and ophthalmology clinics tend to seek experienced surgical technologists. To enhance starting pay, obtaining certifications such as a CST credential from the NBSTSA or completing an associate's degree from a CAAHEP-accredited program can be advantageous. Continuous education and specialized training—especially in high-demand areas like robotic surgery—may further boost a surgical technologist’s earning potential. With a competitive environment for new grads, those who focus on their professional development and seek opportunities in higher-paying specialties can expect a salary trajectory that significantly improves within the first few years of employment.
More salary data for Lawrence, 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 Lawrence. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lawrence 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