Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Jackson, WY: $45,377 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Jackson, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $45,377 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Jackson's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,366 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($59,902) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting a career as a surgical technologist in Jackson, Wyoming, offers promising financial possibilities for new graduates. The starting surgical technologist salary in Jackson is projected to be around $45,377 in 2026, which is quite a bit lower than the median annual salary for the city of $59,902. However, there is a clear growth path for early-career professionals. Over the first few years, entry-level salaries can realistically rise as they gain experience, transitioning through the P25 salary of $50,709 toward the median. This growth trajectory indicates that Jackson could be a favorable market for new graduates, especially considering the cost of living index is below the national average, which may help ease financial pressures during the initial career transition.
About the Jackson Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Jackson
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 Jackson
Entry-level surgical technologists in Jackson, WY typically start between $45,377 and $50,709 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $37,878 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $59,902 — 12.09% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Wyoming of $10,000 represents just 22.04% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($45,377/year) in Jackson. 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 Jackson
- 1Research the Jackson market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $45,377 to $50,709, 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 WY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Jackson, 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 Jackson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Jackson'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 Jackson is $37,878 ( 83.47%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $45,377, experienced hygienists can earn up to $83,255.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,319
2025 BLS Actual
$43,052
2026 Current Est.
$45,377
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Jackson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,319 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,975 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,608 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,417 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,085 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,161 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,052 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,377 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,827 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Jackson, WY grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,319 in 2019 to $43,052 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $47,827. New graduates entering the Jackson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jackson 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 Jackson
When considering employment opportunities in Jackson, it's important to identify local healthcare facilities that actively hire entry-level surgical technologists. Hospitals' operating rooms typically employ new graduates who have completed a general specialty rotation, while ambulatory surgery centers can provide first-job opportunities with a desirable no-call schedule. For those aspiring to specialize, orthopedic and ophthalmology centers often seek experienced staff but can be great targets for skill development. To enhance starting pay, attaining a diploma or associate's degree from a CAAHEP-accredited program is essential, along with obtaining CST certification from the NBSTSA. As the federal hiring standard since 2021, this credential supports upward mobility. New graduates can also consider certifications in high-demand areas like robotic surgery, which may significantly impact their earning potential. Those who advance their skills in the early years can expect solid salary growth as they establish their careers in this evolving field.
More salary data for Jackson, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for surgical technologists in Jackson in 2026?
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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 Jackson. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Jackson 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