Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Montclair, NJ: $56,359 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Montclair, NJ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $56,359 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Montclair's local price level (BEA RPP 115.2 — 15% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $48,923 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($77,724) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates embarking on a career as a surgical technologist in Montclair, New Jersey, can anticipate a starting salary around $56,359. While this figure may seem modest compared to the city's median annual salary of $77,724, it represents a stepping stone for those just entering the field. Early-career professionals can expect to witness significant salary growth as they gain experience in this rewarding profession. Over the first three to five years, new surgical technologists have the potential to progress through the salary spectrum, reaching about $68,990 as they attain the P25 pay level and eventually closing in on the median with additional experience and skills. Given the projected growth rate of 5.40% in this sector, Montclair maintains a viable job market for aspiring surgical technologists, offering ample opportunities for entry-level positions.
About the Montclair Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Montclair
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 Montclair
Entry-level surgical technologists in Montclair, NJ typically start between $56,359 and $68,990 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $54,294 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $77,724 — 14.06% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in New Jersey of $16,000 represents just 28.39% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($56,359/year) in Montclair. 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 Montclair
- 1Research the Montclair market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $56,359 to $68,990, 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 Montclair, 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 Montclair for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Montclair'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 Montclair is $54,294 ( 96.34%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $56,359, experienced hygienists can earn up to $110,653.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$38,899
2025 BLS Actual
$53,472
2026 Current Est.
$56,359
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Montclair (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,899 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,714 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,985 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,231 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,303 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,706 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,472 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,359 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,403 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Montclair, NJ grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $38,899 in 2019 to $53,472 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $59,403. New graduates entering the Montclair job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Montclair 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 Montclair
Employers in Montclair typically include hospital operating rooms, which remain the primary source of employment for new surgical technologist graduates, especially those with a general specialty rotation. For a no-call lifestyle, ambulatory surgery centers may offer a favorable entry point. In contrast, specialty surgical centers that focus on fields like orthopedics or ophthalmology tend to prefer hiring experienced surgical technologists. Credentials matter significantly in the job market, and having a diploma or an associate's degree from a CAAHEP-accredited program has been a federal requirement since 2021, along with obtaining the CST certification through NBSTSA. Pursuing additional qualifications, like the CSFA for surgical first assistant roles or robotic surgery (da Vinci) certification, can further enhance earning potential. During the initial years, realistic salary growth within the field is achievable, particularly as more specialized roles, such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery surgical technologists, tend to command the highest pay.
More salary data for Montclair, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for surgical technologists in Montclair in 2026?
How fast do surgical technologist salaries grow in Montclair?
Is surgical services school worth it in Montclair?
What do new surgical technologists make right out of school in Montclair?
How do I become a surgical technologist in New Jersey?
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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 Montclair. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Montclair 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