Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Delaware, OH: $46,873 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Delaware, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,873 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Delaware's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,679 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,666) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new surgical technologists starting their careers in Delaware, Ohio, the projected entry-level salary for 2026 is around $46,873. This initial pay reflects a significant gap from the overall median annual salary of $64,666 for the region, but it’s important for graduates to recognize that entry-level positions offer a foundation for future growth. Early-career technologists can expect to gradually increase their earnings, with potential pay reaching approximately $57,185 within the first few years as they gain experience and expertise. With an annual growth rate of 5.40%, Delaware presents a favorable market for new grads, making it an attractive option for those entering the field of surgical technology.
About the Delaware Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Delaware
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 Delaware
Entry-level surgical technologists in Delaware, OH typically start between $46,873 and $57,185 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $44,688 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,666 — 5.1% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Ohio of $12,000 represents just 25.60% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($46,873/year) in Delaware. 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 Delaware
- 1Research the Delaware market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $46,873 to $57,185, 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 Delaware, 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 Delaware for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Delaware'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 Delaware is $44,688 ( 95.34%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,873, experienced hygienists can earn up to $91,561.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,352
2025 BLS Actual
$44,472
2026 Current Est.
$46,873
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Delaware (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,352 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,030 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,750 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,618 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,341 | Actual |
| 2024 | $33,982 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,472 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,873 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,405 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Delaware, OH grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,352 in 2019 to $44,472 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $49,405. New graduates entering the Delaware job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Delaware 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 Delaware
Employers in Delaware, including hospitals and outpatient surgical centers, frequently look for fresh talent to fill entry-level surgical technologist positions. Most new graduates find opportunities in hospital operating rooms, where a general specialty rotation helps build their skill set. Ambulatory surgery centers may provide a desirable no-call lifestyle, offering a balanced starting point for new graduates. To maximize starting pay in Ohio, it's beneficial to have a diploma or associate's degree from a CAAHEP-accredited program and earn the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential through NBSTSA. Furthermore, newly minted surgical technologists can enhance their qualifications by pursuing robotic surgery certification, a valuable asset in today's evolving surgical environments. Realistically, salary growth during the first three years often aligns with gaining necessary experience and specialized skills, allowing new graduates to position themselves strategically in this competitive job market.
More salary data for Delaware, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for surgical technologists in Delaware in 2026?
How fast do surgical technologist salaries grow in Delaware?
Is surgical services school worth it in Delaware?
What do new surgical technologists make right out of school in Delaware?
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 Delaware. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Delaware 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