Surgical Technologist Salary in Anchorage, AK: $85,248 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Anchorage, AK earns a median $85,248/year (≈ $40.99/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Anchorage's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.4), that paycheck buys what $80,865 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 17.9% above the Alaska state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, surgical technologists in Anchorage, Alaska, can anticipate a median annual salary of $85,248, significantly surpassing the national median of $68,141. This projected financial outlook reflects a robust local demand for surgical staff, particularly those specializing in cardiovascular and neuro procedures, where the salary premiums can add substantial value to an already competitive compensation package. The salary range spans from $62,112 at the 10th percentile to $108,720 at the 90th percentile, indicating a dynamic market influenced by skill set and specialization. These insights are derived from detailed surveys conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and highlight the growing need for surgical technologists in this region as healthcare evolves.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,112 | $29.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,908 | $32.17 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $85,248 | $40.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100,952 | $48.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108,720 | $52.27 |
Median Salary Position
25.11% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Anchorage
In Anchorage, AK, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,608 (2026 est.). At $85,248, the local median is 25.11% above the national median of $68,141.
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At 40 hours/week in Anchorage: You'd be above the median
How Anchorage Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Anchorage median: $85,248/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Anchorage Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Average | $72,305 | +17.90% more |
| National Average | $68,141 | +25.11% more |
Surgical Technologists in Anchorage, AK earn a median of $85,248 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.11% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 17.90% above the Alaska state average of $72,305.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Anchorage has a cost of living 5.42% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Anchorage, AK has a cost-of-living index of 105.42 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $85,248 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $80,865 — a 5.14% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$69,740
2025 BLS Actual
$80,880
2026 Current Est.
$85,248
2019–2027 Growth
+28.8%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Anchorage (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,740 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,500 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,270 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,980 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,180 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,700 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,880 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,248 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,851 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Anchorage metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 16.0% from $69,740 (2019) to $80,880 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $89,851 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,111 (28.84%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Anchorage 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $62,112 – $66,908 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,908 – $85,248 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $85,248 – $100,952 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $100,952 – $108,720 |
Surg Tech, CST salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual surgical technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Surgical Technologist Job Market in Anchorage
The local job market for surgical technologists in Anchorage currently employs around 210 individuals, demonstrating a steady demand for this specialized profession in the healthcare sector. However, the cost of living index sits at 105.42, slightly above the national average, which impacts take-home pay and overall purchasing power. Among the various healthcare facilities, hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers—such as those focusing on orthopedic, ophthalmology, and cardiothoracic procedures—tend to offer the most competitive salaries. Factors contributing to the pay disparity include specialization in high-demand areas, call coverage requirements, and additional certifications such as robotic surgery stipends. For those aiming to maximize their pay in Anchorage, pursuing advanced certifications, such as the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA), and gaining experience in trauma centers can be key strategies for career advancement.
More salary data for Anchorage, AK:
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $80,880 for surgical technologistsin the Anchorage metropolitan area. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-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