Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Camas, WA: $54,228 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Camas, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $54,228 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Camas's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,492 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($73,528) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Entering the surgical technologist profession in Camas, WA, sets the stage for a promising career with a projected entry-level salary of $54,228 in 2026. While this figure is below the city’s median of $73,528, it reflects the typical starting pay for new graduates just entering the field. Over the first few years, the salary trajectory for surgical technologists shows substantial potential as individuals gain experience, with expectations of reaching around $63,093 by the 25th percentile. For new grads, this market offers a solid foundation with a healthy growth rate of 5.40% annually, positioning Camas as an appealing location for those entering the surgical technology workforce.
About the Camas Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Camas
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 Camas
Entry-level surgical technologists in Camas, WA typically start between $54,228 and $63,093 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $54,126 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $73,528 — 7.91% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Washington of $14,000 represents just 25.82% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($54,228/year) in Camas. 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 Camas
- 1Research the Camas market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $54,228 to $63,093, 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 WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Camas, 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 Camas for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Camas'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 Camas is $54,126 ( 99.81%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $54,228, experienced hygienists can earn up to $108,354.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$37,428
2025 BLS Actual
$51,450
2026 Current Est.
$54,228
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Camas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,428 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,212 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,359 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,521 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,514 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,485 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,450 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,228 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,157 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Camas, WA grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $37,428 in 2019 to $51,450 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $57,157. New graduates entering the Camas job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Camas 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 Camas
In Camas, various healthcare employers actively recruit entry-level surgical technologists, particularly within hospital operating rooms where a general specialty rotation is common. Ambulatory surgery centers, which often provide no-call work schedules, present new graduates with another viable entry point. Credentials play a critical role in boosting starting pay; new graduates should ensure they hold a diploma or associate's degree from a CAAHEP-accredited program and obtain CST certification through NBSTSA to meet the industry’s federal hiring standards. Additionally, pursuing specialized training or certifications, such as robotic surgery (da Vinci) qualification, can differentiate candidates and potentially lead to higher wages as they progress through their careers. In the first three years, surgical technologists can realistically expect steady salary growth as they gain experience and possibly choose to specialize in high-demand areas like cardiovascular or neurosurgical surgery.
More salary data for Camas, WA:
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 Camas. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Camas 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