Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Everett, WA: $52,725 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Everett, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $52,725 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Everett's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,092 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($78,739) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the surgical technologist field in Everett, Washington, can expect to see starting salaries around $52,725. This entry-level pay contrasts with the overall median for surgical technologists in the city, which stands at $78,739, indicating that early-career professionals may experience a notable salary gap. However, there are opportunities for advancement; as entry-level surgical technologists gain experience, they can realistically progress to the 25th percentile earning $63,815 within the first few years. With a projected annual growth rate of 5.40%, Everett's market appears to offer promising prospects for new surgical technologists eager to build their careers in a robust health care environment.
About the Everett Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Everett
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 Everett
Entry-level surgical technologists in Everett, WA typically start between $52,725 and $63,815 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $69,321 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $78,739 — 15.55% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Washington of $14,000 represents just 26.55% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($52,725/year) in Everett. 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 Everett
- 1Research the Everett market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $52,725 to $63,815, 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 Everett, 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 Everett for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Everett'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 Everett is $69,321 ( 131.48%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $52,725, experienced hygienists can earn up to $122,046.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$36,391
2025 BLS Actual
$50,024
2026 Current Est.
$52,725
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Everett (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,391 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,153 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,213 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,315 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,253 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,954 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,024 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,725 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,572 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Everett, WA grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,391 in 2019 to $50,024 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $55,572. New graduates entering the Everett job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Everett 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 Everett
A variety of employers in Everett actively recruit new graduates, primarily in hospital operating rooms, which tend to offer a well-rounded general specialty training experience. Ambulatory surgery centers present an attractive option for new surgical technologists, providing a no-call lifestyle while allowing for foundational professional development. To enhance starting pay in Washington, credentials such as a diploma or associate's degree from a CAAHEP-accredited program and CST certification through the NBSTSA are increasingly essential, especially since federal hiring standards have evolved post-2021. Over the first one to three years, surgical technologists can expect their salaries to increase as they pursue advanced training, including state registration where applicable and specialized certifications like robotic surgery (da Vinci). The demand for cardiovascular and neurosurgery skills often translates to higher pay, making these specialties an excellent focus for aspiring professionals in Everett.
More salary data for Everett, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for surgical technologists in Everett in 2026?
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Is surgical services school worth it in Everett?
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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 Everett. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Everett 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