Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Edmonds, WA: $52,194 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Edmonds, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $52,194 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Edmonds's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $48,598 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($75,140) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the surgical technologist field in Edmonds, Washington, can expect a starting pay around $52,194 in 2026. This entry-level salary reflects the anticipated initial compensation for those who have recently completed their education and certification. When considering the city's median annual salary of $75,140, there remains a notable gap of approximately $22,946 that aspiring surgical technologists will need to bridge through experience and additional skills over the initial years. Typically, entry-level professionals can anticipate upward movement toward $66,440 as they gain experience, closing in on the median salary within three to five years. Given the projected 5.40% annual growth rate in the field, Edmonds presents a favorable market for new graduates pursuing a career in surgical technology.
About the Edmonds Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Edmonds
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 Edmonds
Entry-level surgical technologists in Edmonds, WA typically start between $52,194 and $66,440 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $59,002 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $75,140 — 10.27% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Washington of $14,000 represents just 26.82% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($52,194/year) in Edmonds. 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 Edmonds
- 1Research the Edmonds market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $52,194 to $66,440, 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 Edmonds, 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 Edmonds for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Edmonds'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 Edmonds is $59,002 ( 113.04%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $52,194, experienced hygienists can earn up to $111,196.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$36,024
2025 BLS Actual
$49,520
2026 Current Est.
$52,194
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Edmonds (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,024 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,779 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,808 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,888 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,807 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,419 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,520 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,194 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,013 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Edmonds, WA grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,024 in 2019 to $49,520 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $55,013. New graduates entering the Edmonds job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Edmonds 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 Edmonds
Entering the workforce in Edmonds, new surgical technologists may find opportunities primarily within hospital operating rooms, where most employers are keen to hire new graduates with general specialty rotations. Ambulatory surgery centers could also be an appealing option, especially for those seeking a lifestyle free from on-call obligations often associated with hospital settings. Obtaining credentials from a CAAHEP-accredited program and certification through the NBSTSA is crucial for those looking to enhance their earnings potential. Additionally, credentials such as CSFA for surgical first assistants or robotic surgery certifications can further elevate salary expectations. In the first three years, career growth for surgical technologists can be significant, especially in specialties like cardiovascular and neurosurgery, where the most competitive pay tends to be found. Prospective employees should prioritize ongoing education and certification, aligning with the federal hiring standards established in 2021, as they navigate their early careers in this dynamic field.
More salary data for Edmonds, 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 Edmonds. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Edmonds 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