Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Brunswick, OH: $48,961 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Brunswick, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,961 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Brunswick's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $53,981 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($63,371) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Brunswick, Ohio, the entry-level surgical technologist salary offers new graduates a starting pay around $48,961, significantly below the local median of $63,371. Early-career professionals can expect to see their earnings rise as they gain experience, moving to the 25th percentile of $55,873 within a few years. This growth trajectory indicates that those entering the field have the potential to see substantial salary increases over the initial 3 to 5 years of their careers. Additionally, with the projected overall salary growth for this profession at 5.40% annually, Brunswick presents a relatively attractive market for those entering surgical technology, especially for individuals ready to engage in ongoing learning and skill enhancement.
About the Brunswick Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Brunswick
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 Brunswick
Entry-level surgical technologists in Brunswick, OH typically start between $48,961 and $55,873 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $44,365 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $63,371 — 7% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Ohio of $12,000 represents just 24.51% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($48,961/year) in Brunswick. 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 Brunswick
- 1Research the Brunswick market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $48,961 to $55,873, 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 OH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Brunswick, 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 Brunswick for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Brunswick's below-average 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 Brunswick is $44,365 ( 90.61%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,961, experienced hygienists can earn up to $93,326.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,793
2025 BLS Actual
$46,453
2026 Current Est.
$48,961
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Brunswick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,793 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,501 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,342 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,294 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,094 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,565 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,453 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,961 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,605 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Brunswick, OH grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,793 in 2019 to $46,453 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $51,605. New graduates entering the Brunswick job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brunswick 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 Brunswick
When considering employment opportunities in Brunswick, new graduates often find the highest demand with hospital operating rooms, which typically hire surgical technologists rotating through general specialties. Ambulatory surgery centers may also attract entry-level candidates, offering a favorable no-call lifestyle. However, specialty surgical centers, particularly in orthopedic and ophthalmology fields, tend to prefer experienced surgical techs. To improve starting pay, new grads in Ohio should ensure they hold a diploma or associate's degree from a CAAHEP-accredited program, obtain CST certification from the NBSTSA, and consider additional credentials like BLS or CSFA for advanced roles. Focusing on specialties like cardiovascular or neurosurgery can enhance career prospects and salary potential as these areas command higher compensation. Given the current job market, realistic salary growth expectations for entry-level surgical technologists in their initial years will align closely with the local demand and the new federal hiring standards that emphasize CAAHEP accreditation and CST certification.
More salary data for Brunswick, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for surgical technologists in Brunswick in 2026?
How fast do surgical technologist salaries grow in Brunswick?
Is surgical services school worth it in Brunswick?
What do new surgical technologists make right out of school in Brunswick?
How do I become a surgical technologist in Ohio?
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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 Brunswick. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brunswick 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