Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Lorain, OH: $44,854 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Lorain, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $44,854 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lorain's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,453 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($66,191) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lorain, Ohio, new graduates entering the surgical technologist field can expect to start their careers with a salary around $44,854, which is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $66,191. This initial pay represents entry-level compensation, and there's a clear pathway for growth as professionals advance in their careers. Over the first three to five years, entry-level surgical technologists can anticipate increases as they gain experience and potentially move towards the first quartile salary of $57,885. With a projected annual growth rate of 5.40%, Lorain presents a favorable local market for recent graduates seeking to establish themselves in surgical technology.
About the Lorain Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lorain
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 Lorain
Entry-level surgical technologists in Lorain, OH typically start between $44,854 and $57,885 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $52,157 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $66,191 — 2.86% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Ohio of $12,000 represents just 26.75% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($44,854/year) in Lorain. 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 Lorain
- 1Research the Lorain market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $44,854 to $57,885, 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 Lorain, 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 Lorain for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lorain'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 Lorain is $52,157 ( 116.28%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $44,854, experienced hygienists can earn up to $97,011.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,958
2025 BLS Actual
$42,556
2026 Current Est.
$44,854
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Lorain (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,958 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,607 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,210 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,998 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,646 | Actual |
| 2024 | $32,478 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,556 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,854 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,276 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Lorain, OH grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,958 in 2019 to $42,556 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $47,276. New graduates entering the Lorain job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lorain 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 Lorain
Several employers in Lorain actively recruit new surgical technologists, notably hospital operating rooms that often provide comprehensive training for new hires. These roles typically allow graduates to rotate through general specialties, which is invaluable early in their careers. Ambulatory surgery centers are another promising option for those seeking a no-call lifestyle, although they may have fewer opportunities compared to hospitals. To maximize potential salary in Ohio, obtaining credentials such as CST certification through the NBSTSA and completing a CAAHEP-accredited program are vital steps for new graduates. For those desiring advancement, gaining skills in specialized areas like cardiovascular or neurosurgery can result in higher compensation, as can certifications in robotic surgery. New graduates can have realistic expectations for salary growth during their initial years, particularly with continuous education and specialized training enhancing their marketability in Lorain's evolving healthcare environment.
More salary data for Lorain, 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 Lorain. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lorain 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