Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Elyria, OH: $45,288 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Elyria, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $45,288 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Elyria's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,932 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($63,272) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Salaries for entry-level surgical technologists in Elyria, Ohio, are projected to begin at around $45,288 in 2026, setting a foundation for early-career professionals in this field. Although this starting salary may seem modest compared to the city's median annual salary of $63,272, new grads can expect upward mobility as they gain experience. The trajectory from entry-level positions toward the 25th percentile at $53,297 reflects a reasonable expectation for salary growth over the first few years. Given Elyria's stable medical sector, particularly in its hospital operating rooms, the market appears promising for fresh graduates eager to embark on their careers as surgical technologists.
About the Elyria Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Elyria
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 Elyria
Entry-level surgical technologists in Elyria, OH typically start between $45,288 and $53,297 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $48,233 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $63,272 — 7.15% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Ohio of $12,000 represents just 26.50% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($45,288/year) in Elyria. 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 Elyria
- 1Research the Elyria market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $45,288 to $53,297, 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 Elyria, 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 Elyria for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Elyria'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 Elyria is $48,233 ( 106.50%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $45,288, experienced hygienists can earn up to $93,521.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,258
2025 BLS Actual
$42,968
2026 Current Est.
$45,288
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Elyria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,258 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,913 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,541 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,346 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,011 | Actual |
| 2024 | $32,851 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,968 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,288 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,734 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Elyria, OH grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,258 in 2019 to $42,968 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $47,734. New graduates entering the Elyria job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elyria 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 Elyria
Employers in Elyria actively hire new graduates, with local hospitals typically seeking candidates for general surgical specialties as part of their staff. Ambulatory surgery centers are also appealing for new hires due to their no-call schedules. While specialty surgical centers, such as those focused on orthopedics or ophthalmology, prefer experienced surgical technologists, entering the field in Elyria remains competitive. To enhance earning potential, new grads should prioritize obtaining valuable credentials, such as a diploma or associate's degree from a CAAHEP-accredited program and the CST certification from the NBSTSA. Having qualifications like BLS certification and possibly pursuing CSFA certification for surgical first assistant roles can bolster your career. The market rewards specialization, particularly in areas like cardiovascular and neurosurgery, where pay can be significantly higher. With diligent career development in the first three years, entry-level professionals can expect steady salary increases and solid job opportunities in the surgical technology domain in Elyria, OH.
More salary data for Elyria, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Elyria. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Elyria 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