Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Derry, NH: $53,348 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Derry, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $53,348 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Derry's local price level (BEA RPP 107.3 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,719 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($70,175) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those seeking to enter the surgical technology field in Derry, New Hampshire, the starting surgical technologist salary Derry offers is set at around $53,348 in 2026 for entry-level positions. While this is significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $70,175, new graduates can look forward to a promising growth trajectory as they progress in their careers. Typically, surgical technologists can expect to earn around $61,174 after gaining some experience, which bridges the gap towards the median salary within the first few years. Given Derry's current job market and the projected growth rate of 5.40% annual, the city presents an encouraging landscape for newcomers to establish themselves in this vital medical role.
About the Derry Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Derry
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 Derry
Entry-level surgical technologists in Derry, NH typically start between $53,348 and $61,174 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $51,590 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $70,175 — 2.98% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in New Hampshire of $18,000 represents just 33.74% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($53,348/year) in Derry. 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 Derry
- 1Research the Derry market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $53,348 to $61,174, 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 Derry, 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 Derry for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Derry'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 Derry is $51,590 ( 96.70%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $53,348, experienced hygienists can earn up to $104,938.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$36,821
2025 BLS Actual
$50,615
2026 Current Est.
$53,348
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Derry (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,821 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,592 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,688 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,815 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,776 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,600 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,615 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,348 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,229 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Derry, NH grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,821 in 2019 to $50,615 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $56,229. New graduates entering the Derry job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Derry 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 Derry
In Derry, most employers looking to hire new grad surgical technologists pay particular attention to candidates coming from CAAHEP-accredited training programs. While hospitals are the primary employers, ambulatory surgery centers are attractive for those seeking a no-call lifestyle, offering essential hands-on experience for entry-level surgical technologists. Obtaining credentials such as CST certification from the NBSTSA will also enhance starting salaries and marketability. Given that the CST credential and CAAHEP training have adhered to federal hiring standards since 2021, it is crucial for newcomers to consider specialization early on. Fields like cardiovascular and neurosurgery typically command higher wages, and gaining robotic surgery experience can significantly differentiate a candidate. In the first three years, new surgical technologists in Derry should anticipate steady salary growth, increasing their potential earnings as they gain competencies and credentials aligned with industry demands.
More salary data for Derry, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for surgical technologists in Derry in 2026?
How fast do surgical technologist salaries grow in Derry?
Is surgical services school worth it in Derry?
What do new surgical technologists make right out of school in Derry?
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 Derry. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Derry 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