Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Sherwood, OR: $48,424 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Sherwood, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,424 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Sherwood's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,197 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($66,246) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the surgical technologist profession in Sherwood, OR, are likely to find starting salaries near $48,424 in 2026. This figure reflects the lower 10th percentile for entry-level positions, which can initially seem daunting compared to the city's median salary of $66,246. However, with experience and dedication, new technologists can expect to see their earnings grow towards the 25th percentile at around $56,085 within the first few years. The job market for surgical technologists in Sherwood is currently favorable, providing a healthy environment for new graduates to cultivate their skills and advance their careers, particularly as many healthcare facilities look to fill positions amidst a projected 5.40% annual growth rate for the field.
About the Sherwood Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Sherwood
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 Sherwood
Entry-level surgical technologists in Sherwood, OR typically start between $48,424 and $56,085 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $47,614 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $66,246 — 2.78% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Oregon of $14,000 represents just 28.91% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($48,424/year) in Sherwood. 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 Sherwood
- 1Research the Sherwood market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $48,424 to $56,085, 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 Sherwood, 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 Sherwood for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Sherwood'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 Sherwood is $47,614 ( 98.33%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,424, experienced hygienists can earn up to $96,038.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,422
2025 BLS Actual
$45,943
2026 Current Est.
$48,424
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Sherwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,422 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,122 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,932 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,863 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,643 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,805 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,943 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,424 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,039 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Sherwood, OR grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,422 in 2019 to $45,943 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $51,039. New graduates entering the Sherwood job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sherwood 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 Sherwood
Employers in Sherwood that typically hire new graduate surgical technologists include local hospital operating rooms and ambulatory surgery centers. Hospital ORs often prefer candidates with a general specialty rotation while ambulatory centers appeal to those seeking a no-call lifestyle. Specialty surgical centers, like those focused on orthopedics or ophthalmology, usually look for more experienced candidates. To enhance their starting pay in Oregon, recent graduates should consider obtaining credentials such as the CST certification from NBSTSA and seeking training from CAAHEP-accredited programs, which became the federal hiring standard in 2021. Additionally, gaining experience in high-demand specialties like cardiovascular and neurosurgery can significantly increase a surgical technologist’s salary potential. In the context of Sherwood, aiming for robotic surgery certification could also serve as a notable differentiator that opens doors to advanced roles and higher pay throughout the first years in the profession.
More salary data for Sherwood, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for surgical technologists in Sherwood in 2026?
How fast do surgical technologist salaries grow in Sherwood?
Is surgical services school worth it in Sherwood?
What do new surgical technologists make right out of school in Sherwood?
How do I become a surgical technologist in Oregon?
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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 Sherwood. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Sherwood 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