Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Bedford, NH: $49,324 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Bedford, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $49,324 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bedford's local price level (BEA RPP 107.3 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $45,968 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($68,863) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the surgical technology field in Bedford, NH, can expect to earn an entry-level salary starting around $49,324, which is significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $68,863. This gap of approximately $19,539 illustrates the difference new technologists will face as they begin their careers. Over the first few years, however, there is potential for upward movement, with salaries rising towards the 25th percentile figure of $62,045, as individuals gain experience and skills. Given the projected growth rate of 5.40% annually, Bedford presents an attractive market for aspiring surgical technologists to grow professionally while they establish themselves in the healthcare sector.
About the Bedford Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bedford
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 Bedford
Entry-level surgical technologists in Bedford, NH typically start between $49,324 and $62,045 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $49,721 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $68,863 — 1.06% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in New Hampshire of $18,000 represents just 36.49% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($49,324/year) in Bedford. 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 Bedford
- 1Research the Bedford market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $49,324 to $62,045, 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 NH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bedford, 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 Bedford for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bedford'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 Bedford is $49,721 ( 100.80%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $49,324, experienced hygienists can earn up to $99,045.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,043
2025 BLS Actual
$46,797
2026 Current Est.
$49,324
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Bedford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,043 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,757 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,619 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,585 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,398 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,038 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,797 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,324 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,988 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Bedford, NH grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,043 in 2019 to $46,797 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $51,988. New graduates entering the Bedford job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bedford 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 Bedford
Employers in Bedford typically favor hiring recent graduates from CAAHEP-accredited programs, enhancing opportunities for those with the CST credential obtained through the NBSTSA. Local hospitals are prime employers, offering surgical positions with general specialty rotations, while ambulatory surgery centers frequently attract new technologists seeking a no-call lifestyle. For those new to the field, acquiring additional certifications—such as credentials in robotic surgery or CSFA for surgical first assistants—can notably elevate starting pay and career prospects. Those who prioritize development in areas like cardiovascular or neurosurgery can command the highest salaries. As fresh entrants in this field, newcomers should expect realistic salary growth as they gain experience and align with the federal hiring standards established in 2021, positioning themselves for success in the dynamic healthcare environment of Bedford.
More salary data for Bedford, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for surgical technologists in Bedford in 2026?
How fast do surgical technologist salaries grow in Bedford?
Is surgical services school worth it in Bedford?
What do new surgical technologists make right out of school in Bedford?
How do I become a surgical technologist in New Hampshire?
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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 Bedford. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bedford 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