Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Kearny, NJ: $58,633 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Kearny, NJ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $58,633 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kearny's local price level (BEA RPP 115.2 — 15% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,897 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($75,940) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the surgical technologist field in Kearny, NJ, the starting surgical technologist salary presents promising prospects. With an entry-level pay ranging from $58,633 to $66,925, recent graduates can expect their earnings to grow as they gain experience. The median annual salary for surgical technologists in the area is $75,940, indicating a significant gap that early-career professionals can aspire to close over the next few years. Earning a solid entry-level salary combined with Kearny’s healthy job market makes the city an attractive option for upcoming surgical technologists. The anticipated growth trajectory provides graduates robust earning potential as they progress through their careers in this essential healthcare role.
About the Kearny Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kearny
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 Kearny
Entry-level surgical technologists in Kearny, NJ typically start between $58,633 and $66,925 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $53,157 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $75,940 — 11.45% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in New Jersey of $16,000 represents just 27.29% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($58,633/year) in Kearny. 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 Kearny
- 1Research the Kearny market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $58,633 to $66,925, 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 NJ often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Kearny, 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 Kearny for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Kearny's above-average cost of living (index: 115.2) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Surgical Technologist Compensation Range
The surgical technologist wage spread in Kearny is $53,157 ( 90.66%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $58,633, experienced hygienists can earn up to $111,790.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$40,468
2025 BLS Actual
$55,629
2026 Current Est.
$58,633
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Kearny (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,468 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,316 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,719 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,056 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,211 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,810 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,629 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,633 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,799 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Kearny, NJ grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $40,468 in 2019 to $55,629 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $61,799. New graduates entering the Kearny job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kearny 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 Kearny
When considering employment opportunities in Kearny, numerous hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty clinics actively recruit new grads. Major employers typically include hospital operating rooms that frequently welcome entry-level graduates as they embark on their careers with a general specialty rotation. Ambulatory surgery centers are particularly appealing due to their no-call lifestyle, providing enhanced work-life balance at the beginning of one's career. To bolster earning capabilities, securing credentials like the CST certification from the NBSTSA and completing a diploma or associate's degree from a CAAHEP-accredited program are essential since the CST credential is the federal hiring standard established in 2021. Surgical technologists can also enhance their standing by pursuing specialized training, such as robotic surgery certification, propelling them into niche fields where higher pay is common. Realistic salary increases during the first few years of employment largely depend on these qualifications, along with the growing demand for specialized surgical skills, with cardiovascular and neurosurgery roles typically offering the highest compensation.
More salary data for Kearny, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for surgical technologists in Kearny in 2026?
How fast do surgical technologist salaries grow in Kearny?
Is surgical services school worth it in Kearny?
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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 Kearny. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kearny 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