Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Great Falls, MT: $44,586 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Great Falls, MT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $44,586 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Great Falls's local price level (BEA RPP 96.2 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $46,347 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($65,376) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the surgical technologist field in Great Falls, MT, the starting salary primarily sits at approximately $44,586 in 2026. While this figure is significantly lower than the median annual salary of $65,376 for all surgical technologists in the area, it represents a realistic expectation for new graduates seeking their first positions. Over the initial years of their careers, starting salaries may see growth, with the potential to reach around $53,613 by the 25th percentile and even further toward the median as experience builds. With an industry growth trajectory projected at 5.40%, Great Falls presents a fairly stable market for new graduates, making it a viable choice for those looking to begin their careers in surgical technology.
About the Great Falls Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Great Falls
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 Great Falls
Entry-level surgical technologists in Great Falls, MT typically start between $44,586 and $53,613 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $56,157 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $65,376 — 4.06% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Montana of $10,000 represents just 22.43% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($44,586/year) in Great Falls. 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 Great Falls
- 1Research the Great Falls market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $44,586 to $53,613, 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 Great Falls, 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 Great Falls for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Great Falls'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 Great Falls is $56,157 ( 125.95%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $44,586, experienced hygienists can earn up to $100,743.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$26,220
2025 BLS Actual
$42,302
2026 Current Est.
$44,586
2019–2027 Growth
+79.2%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Great Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26,220 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,380 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,450 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,230 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,422 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,482 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,302 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,586 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,994 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Great Falls, MT grew 61.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $26,220 in 2019 to $42,302 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $46,994. New graduates entering the Great Falls job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Great Falls 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 Great Falls
Hospitals in Great Falls are the primary employers of newly graduated surgical technologists, often hiring candidates who have completed a general specialty rotation. Ambulatory surgery centers also provide opportunities, favoring new entrants for their no-call lifestyle. While specialty surgical centers tend to hire more seasoned professionals, the right credentials can enhance starting pay in this market. Candidates who hold a diploma or associate's degree from a CAAHEP-accredited program, along with CST certification from the NBSTSA, position themselves competitively. Additionally, considering certifications in robotic surgery may yield further advantages, as such skills are increasingly sought after in the operating room. New grads can reasonably anticipate salary growth throughout their first three years, especially if they focus on valuable specialties like cardiovascular and neurosurgery, which command premium pay. Emphasizing continuing education and maintaining active status with relevant certifications will serve new surgical technologists well as they embark on their careers.
More salary data for Great Falls, MT:
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 Great Falls. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Great Falls 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