Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Ashland, OR: $48,187 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Ashland, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,187 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Ashland's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $46,966 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($66,267) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting out as a surgical technologist in Ashland, Oregon, offers graduates a foundational income that aligns closely with the entry-level salary projections for 2026. The starting surgical technologist salary in Ashland is estimated at $48,187, which represents a significant gap from the city’s median salary of $66,267. Newly minted surgical technologists can realistically expect to see their earnings rise as they gain experience, with projections indicating potential salaries reaching $58,735 within a few years. This increasing trajectory suggests that Ashland provides a supportive market for recent graduates, as the profession anticipates a growth rate of 5.40% annually, promising more opportunities for those just starting their careers.
About the Ashland Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Ashland
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 Ashland
Entry-level surgical technologists in Ashland, OR typically start between $48,187 and $58,735 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $47,922 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $66,267 — 2.75% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Oregon of $14,000 represents just 29.05% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($48,187/year) in Ashland. 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 Ashland
- 1Research the Ashland market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $48,187 to $58,735, 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 OR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Ashland, 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 Ashland for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Ashland's moderate 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 Ashland is $47,922 ( 99.45%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,187, experienced hygienists can earn up to $96,109.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,259
2025 BLS Actual
$45,718
2026 Current Est.
$48,187
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Ashland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,259 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,955 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,752 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,672 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,444 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,567 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,718 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,187 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,789 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Ashland, OR grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,259 in 2019 to $45,718 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $50,789. New graduates entering the Ashland job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ashland 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 Ashland
In Ashland, hospitals and outpatient surgical centers typically hire new surgical technologist graduates, with many offering training in general surgical rotations. While specialty surgical centers like those focused on orthopedic or ophthalmic procedures often prefer experienced technologists, entry-level positions are more widely available in larger healthcare institutions. Graduates who have earned their diploma or associate degree from a CAAHEP-accredited program will meet the federal hiring standard established in 2021. Holding a CST certification from the NBSTSA is important, and additional credentials such as BLS certification or robotic surgery qualifications can elevate starting pay in Oregon. Many entry-level surgical technologists will find that after one to three years of accumulating experience and possibly further enhancing their credentials, they can expect a realistic salary progression that reflects the growing demand in this field.
More salary data for Ashland, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for surgical technologists in Ashland in 2026?
How fast do surgical technologist salaries grow in Ashland?
Is surgical services school worth it in Ashland?
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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 Ashland. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ashland 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