Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Wadsworth, OH: $46,201 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Wadsworth, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,201 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Wadsworth's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,938 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($60,372) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates starting their careers as surgical technologists in Wadsworth, Ohio, the entry-level salary can be a significant factor in deciding where to begin this essential profession. The starting salary for these positions is projected to be around $46,201 in 2026, which is notably below the city median for all surgical technologists, measured at $60,372. This gap underscores the typical trajectory of early-career professionals, as it allows room for advancement through experience and additional responsibilities. Over the next few years, an entry-level technologist can expect their salary to grow as they move towards the 25th percentile level of approximately $52,811, and ideally toward the median as they gain more experience and skills. With a solid growth rate of 5.40% annually in this field, Wadsworth presents a viable opportunity for those just entering the workforce, offering not only competitive starting figures but also a supportive environment for career growth.
About the Wadsworth Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Wadsworth
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 Wadsworth
Entry-level surgical technologists in Wadsworth, OH typically start between $46,201 and $52,811 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $38,225 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $60,372 — 11.4% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Ohio of $12,000 represents just 25.97% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($46,201/year) in Wadsworth. 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 Wadsworth
- 1Research the Wadsworth market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $46,201 to $52,811, 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 Wadsworth, 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 Wadsworth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Wadsworth'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 Wadsworth is $38,225 ( 82.74%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,201, experienced hygienists can earn up to $84,426.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,888
2025 BLS Actual
$43,834
2026 Current Est.
$46,201
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Wadsworth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,888 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,556 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,237 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,079 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,777 | Actual |
| 2024 | $33,518 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,834 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,201 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,696 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Wadsworth, OH grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,888 in 2019 to $43,834 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,696. New graduates entering the Wadsworth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wadsworth 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 Wadsworth
In Wadsworth, the hiring landscape for surgical technologists primarily consists of local hospital operating rooms, which tend to favor new graduates with a general specialty rotation. These hospitals are ideal for building foundational skills and gaining clinical experience right after graduation. Meanwhile, ambulatory surgery centers often provide a favorable no-call lifestyle for those looking for a balanced approach in their early careers, although they may not prioritize hiring entry-level candidates. To enhance starting salaries within Ohio, pursuing credentials such as the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) certification from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) is crucial. Completing a CAAHEP-accredited program additionally aligns with current federal standards established in 2021. Those aspiring to work in specialized fields like cardiovascular or neurosurgery can further amplify their earning potential, as these sectors typically offer higher pay. Furthermore, obtaining certifications in robotic surgery, such as CSFA, can create competitive advantages in the job market, making it easier to navigate career progression in years one to three.
More salary data for Wadsworth, 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 Wadsworth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Wadsworth 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