Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Burlington, VT: $52,184 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Burlington, VT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $52,184 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Burlington's local price level (BEA RPP 100.9 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,693 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($63,936) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Starting salaries for new graduates entering the surgical technologist field in Burlington, VT, are projected to begin at about $52,184 in 2026. This amount sets a realistic expectation for those just entering the workforce, especially when considering the city median annual salary of $63,936. New grads can look forward to a trajectory that allows them to progress through the P25 figure of $52,184 and eventually reach closer to the median within their first 3 to 5 years of experience. Burlington's healthcare market, particularly its hospitals and outpatient facilities, remains robust, making it a favorable landscape for fresh graduates seeking employment opportunities.
Career Earnings Timeline in Burlington
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 Burlington
Entry-level surgical technologists in Burlington, VT typically start between $52,184 and $52,184 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $41,053 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $63,936 — 6.17% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Vermont of $16,000 represents just 30.66% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($52,184/year) in Burlington. 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 Burlington
- 1Research the Burlington market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $52,184 to $52,184, 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 VT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Burlington, 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 Burlington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Burlington'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 Burlington is $41,053 ( 78.67%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $52,184, experienced hygienists can earn up to $93,237.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,950
2025 BLS Actual
$49,510
2026 Current Est.
$52,184
2019–2027 Growth
+66.9%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,950 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,771 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,910 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,880 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,380 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,253 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,510 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,184 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,001 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Burlington, VT grew 50.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,950 in 2019 to $49,510 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $55,001. New graduates entering the Burlington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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 Burlington
In Burlington, various employers are eager to bring on new surgical technologists, especially within hospital operating rooms where recent graduates typically find their first positions. Many aspiring technologists may also consider ambulatory surgery centers, which offer a no-call lifestyle, an appealing perk for those entering the field. Having completed a CAAHEP-accredited program and obtaining the CST credential from the NBSTSA is essential for entry-level positions, as this has become the federal standard for hiring since 2021. Moreover, those looking to boost their starting pay in VT should consider additional credentials such as certifications for specialty roles or BLS training. Internships or clinical rotations during their training could give new grads an edge, especially in the high-demand areas of cardiovascular or neurosurgery, where pay tends to be notably higher after just a few years in the workforce. In the evolving surgical landscape, certifications in robotic surgery may also offer a competitive advantage, paving the way for increased job prospects and salary growth.
More salary data for Burlington, VT:
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 Burlington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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