Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Gresham, OR: $48,683 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Gresham, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,683 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Gresham's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,449 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($71,536) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the surgical technologist field in Gresham, the starting pay is projected to be around $48,683 in 2026. This figure, while lower than the city's median annual salary of $71,536, offers an achievable pathway for those just beginning their careers. New surgical technologists can realistically expect to see salary growth as they gain experience; the progression from this entry-level position to a higher bracket, such as the 25th percentile at $58,569, can happen within the first few years. Given Gresham's favorable market for healthcare professionals, embarking on a career as a surgical technologist here provides promising opportunities for new grads to solidify their roles and enhance their earning potential over time.
About the Gresham Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Gresham
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 Gresham
Entry-level surgical technologists in Gresham, OR typically start between $48,683 and $58,569 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $57,103 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $71,536 — 4.98% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Oregon of $14,000 represents just 28.76% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($48,683/year) in Gresham. 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 Gresham
- 1Research the Gresham market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $48,683 to $58,569, 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 Gresham, 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 Gresham for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Gresham'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 Gresham is $57,103 ( 117.30%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,683, experienced hygienists can earn up to $105,786.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,601
2025 BLS Actual
$46,189
2026 Current Est.
$48,683
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Gresham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,601 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,305 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,130 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,071 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,860 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,070 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,189 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,683 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,312 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Gresham, OR grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,601 in 2019 to $46,189 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $51,312. New graduates entering the Gresham job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gresham 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 Gresham
In Gresham, various healthcare facilities serve as primary employers for newly minted surgical technologists, particularly hospital operating rooms that often hire graduates from CAAHEP-accredited programs. These institutions typically offer training in general specialty rotations, making them ideal for entry-level positions. Ambulatory surgery centers may appeal to those seeking a balanced lifestyle, usually without on-call responsibilities. Enhancing credentials, such as obtaining CST certification from the NBSTSA or pursuing robotic surgery (da Vinci) certification, can significantly elevate a new grad's pay in Oregon. The demand for specialized skills in areas like cardiovascular or neurosurgery often translates to higher salaries. Building a solid career strategy in the first few years, while focusing on obtaining certifications and relevant experience, will facilitate realistic salary advancements as one moves through their early career stages as a surgical technologist.
More salary data for Gresham, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for surgical technologists in Gresham in 2026?
How fast do surgical technologist salaries grow in Gresham?
Is surgical services school worth it in Gresham?
What do new surgical technologists make right out of school in Gresham?
How do I become a surgical technologist in Oregon?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Oregon
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 Gresham. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Gresham 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