Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Grants Pass, OR: $51,918 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Grants Pass, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $51,918 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Grants Pass's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,602 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($67,509) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the surgical technologist field in Grants Pass can expect starting salaries around $51,918, providing a starting point for early career negotiations. Despite this figure being below the city’s median annual salary of $67,509, the projected growth path shows promising potential over the first few years in the field. As they gain experience, many entry-level surgical technologists could see their salaries increase toward the 25th percentile of $59,357 within their first three years. The local market in Grants Pass indicates a favorable outlook for new graduates, as hospitals and other healthcare facilities continue to hire surgical technologists, helping them advance through their career stages effectively.
About the Grants Pass Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Grants Pass
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 Grants Pass
Entry-level surgical technologists in Grants Pass, OR typically start between $51,918 and $59,357 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $47,261 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $67,509 — 0.93% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Oregon of $14,000 represents just 26.97% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($51,918/year) in Grants Pass. 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 Grants Pass
- 1Research the Grants Pass market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $51,918 to $59,357, 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 Grants Pass, 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 Grants Pass for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Grants Pass'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 Grants Pass is $47,261 ( 91.03%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $51,918, experienced hygienists can earn up to $99,179.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$35,834
2025 BLS Actual
$49,258
2026 Current Est.
$51,918
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Grants Pass (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,834 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,584 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,597 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,667 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,575 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,311 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,258 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,918 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,722 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Grants Pass, OR grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $35,834 in 2019 to $49,258 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $54,722. New graduates entering the Grants Pass job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Grants Pass 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 Grants Pass
When exploring opportunities in Grants Pass, surgical technology graduates often find that local hospital operating rooms are the primary employers for new professionals, particularly those with general specialty rotations. Ambulatory surgery centers are also appealing, usually offering a no-call lifestyle and favorable hours for new grads. To enhance starting pay and job prospects, candidates should ensure they meet the criteria of being part of a CAAHEP-accredited program and achieve the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential from the NBSTSA, which has become the federal hiring standard since 2021. For those looking to specialize, additional certifications such as robotic surgery qualifications can significantly elevate earning potential. Over the first few years, as they build experience and skill, new surgical technologists should anticipate realistic salary growth, aligning with the market demand for specialized roles in cardiovascular and neurosurgery.
More salary data for Grants Pass, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for surgical technologists in Grants Pass in 2026?
How fast do surgical technologist salaries grow in Grants Pass?
Is surgical services school worth it in Grants Pass?
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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 Grants Pass. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Grants Pass 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