Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Solon, OH: $46,009 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Solon, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,009 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Solon's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,727 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($60,184) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a new graduate entering the surgical technologist field in Solon, Ohio, can expect a starting salary around $46,009. This figure represents the lower end of the salary range for entry-level positions, indicating that early-career professionals may find themselves significantly below the city’s median annual salary of $60,184. However, this starting pay is not static and can progress to approximately $52,420 within the first few years in the role. Given the projected growth rate of 5.40% within this field, it suggests a healthy trajectory for salary advancement as experience is gained in the operating room environment, making Solon a favorable market for recent graduates pursuing a surgical technologist career in the healthcare sector.
About the Solon Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Solon
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 Solon
Entry-level surgical technologists in Solon, OH typically start between $46,009 and $52,420 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $39,730 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $60,184 — 11.68% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Ohio of $12,000 represents just 26.08% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($46,009/year) in Solon. 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 Solon
- 1Research the Solon market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $46,009 to $52,420, 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 Solon, 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 Solon for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Solon'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 Solon is $39,730 ( 86.35%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,009, experienced hygienists can earn up to $85,739.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,756
2025 BLS Actual
$43,652
2026 Current Est.
$46,009
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Solon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,756 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,421 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,091 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,925 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,616 | Actual |
| 2024 | $33,378 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,652 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,009 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,494 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Solon, OH grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,756 in 2019 to $43,652 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,494. New graduates entering the Solon job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Solon 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 Solon
Amidst various hiring opportunities, hospitals and surgical centers in Solon are the predominant employers seeking new graduates for surgical technologist roles. Most openings will likely be in hospital operating rooms where general specialty rotations are common, while ambulatory surgery centers can provide a desirable no-call work life. To enhance earning potential from the outset, obtaining credentials such as a diploma or associate's degree from a CAAHEP-accredited program, along with certification as a CST from NBSTSA, has become essential since 2021. New graduates should also consider additional certifications, especially those focused on specialties like cardiovascular or neurosurgery, as these areas typically warrant higher pay. Furthermore, gaining proficiency in robotic surgery through da Vinci certification could serve as a significant advantage in a competitive job market, emphasizing the importance of completing the appropriate educational pathways and acquiring targeted skills during the first few years as a surgical technologist in Ohio.
More salary data for Solon, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for surgical technologists in Solon in 2026?
How fast do surgical technologist salaries grow in Solon?
Is surgical services school worth it in Solon?
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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 Solon. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Solon 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