Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Butte, MT: $44,479 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Butte, MT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $44,479 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Butte's local price level (BEA RPP 96.2 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $46,236 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($63,705) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates looking to enter the surgical technology field in Butte, Montana, can expect a starting surgical technologist salary of approximately $44,479 in 2026. While this figure is significantly lower than the city’s median salary of $63,705, it represents a realistic expectation for entry-level positions. Over the initial years, early-career professionals have the potential to progress to around $55,081 as they gain experience, positioning themselves closer to the city median within three to five years. Given the area's projected growth rate of 5.40% annually, Butte can be perceived as a supportive market for new grads, providing opportunities for advancement as they navigate their careers.
About the Butte Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Butte
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 Butte
Entry-level surgical technologists in Butte, MT typically start between $44,479 and $55,081 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $50,062 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $63,705 — 6.51% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Montana of $10,000 represents just 22.48% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($44,479/year) in Butte. 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 Butte
- 1Research the Butte market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $44,479 to $55,081, 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 MT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Butte, 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 Butte for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Butte'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 Butte is $50,062 ( 112.55%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $44,479, experienced hygienists can earn up to $94,541.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,699
2025 BLS Actual
$42,200
2026 Current Est.
$44,479
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Butte (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,699 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,342 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,924 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,696 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,331 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,388 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,200 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,479 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,881 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Butte, MT grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,699 in 2019 to $42,200 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $46,881. New graduates entering the Butte job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Butte 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 Butte
Employers in Butte that typically hire new graduates include hospital operating rooms, which are likely to offer positions with general specialty rotations, allowing fresh graduates to gain valuable experience. Ambulatory surgery centers present another option, often appealing to those seeking a no-call lifestyle but may not provide as many opportunities for surgical technologists as hospitals do. For a competitive edge, graduates should pursue credentials like the CST certification from the NBSTSA and a diploma or associate's degree from a CAAHEP-accredited program, as these have been the federal hiring standard since 2021. Further specialization in high-demand areas such as cardiovascular or neurosurgery can yield higher pay, and obtaining CSFA certification for those aspiring to work in robotic surgery can further enhance entry-level income. Realistically, as these professionals establish themselves within the first three years, they can experience meaningful salary growth, reflecting their skills and the evolving landscape of healthcare in Butte, MT.
More salary data for Butte, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for surgical technologists in Butte in 2026?
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Is surgical services school worth it in Butte?
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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 Butte. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Butte 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