Surgical Technologist Salary in Mesa, AZ: $81,866 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Mesa, AZ earns a median $81,866/year (≈ $39.36/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Mesa's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $83,113 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 22.0% above the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Surgical technologists in Mesa, AZ, can anticipate a median annual salary of $81,866 in 2026, signifying a notable increase compared to the national average. The salary range for this role spans from $58,203 at the lower end to $124,678 for the top earners, based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level data adjusted for local cost. Different types of medical facilities—such as hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical units—create diverse opportunities for surgical technologists. Each setting may influence salary structures due to varying patient volumes and procedural complexities, impacting earning potential for professionals in this critical field.
About the Mesa Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,203 | $27.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $69,138 | $33.24 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,866 | $39.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $101,641 | $48.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $124,678 | $59.94 |
Median Salary Position
20.14% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mesa
In Mesa, AZ, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $66,475 (2026 est.). At $81,866, the local median is 20.14% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Mesa: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Mesa Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Mesa median: $81,866/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Mesa Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $67,104 | +22.00% more |
| National Average | $68,141 | +20.14% more |
Surgical Technologists in Mesa, AZ earn a median of $81,866 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.14% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 22.00% above the Arizona state average of $67,104.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Mesa has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Mesa, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $81,866 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $83,113 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,029
2025 BLS Actual
$77,672
2026 Current Est.
$81,866
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Mesa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,029 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,723 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,305 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,232 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,818 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,402 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,672 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,866 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,287 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mesa metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $58,029 (2019) to $77,672 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $86,287 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,258 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mesa 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) | $58,203 – $69,138 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $69,138 – $81,866 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,866 – $101,641 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $101,641 – $124,678 |
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 Mesa
Local employment data reflects a workforce of 98 surgical technologists in Mesa, providing a solid foundation for career growth. With a cost-of-living index of 98.5, Mesa presents a reasonable environment for take-home pay, ensuring that the salaries offered remain attractive against local pricing. Hospitals, particularly those with trauma centers or robotic surgery capabilities, are typically the highest payers. Furthermore, specialties within surgical technology, such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery, command premium wages compared to general surgery roles. To maximize earnings, professionals should consider obtaining certifications in robotic surgery or aiming for surgical first assistant positions, both of which can significantly enhance pay and job prospects in the competitive Mesa job market.
More salary data for Mesa, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do surgical technologists make in Mesa, AZ in 2026?
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Can surgical technologists make $100K in Mesa?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted surgical technologist salary in Mesa?
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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 $77,672 for surgical technologistsin the Mesa 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
Salary data for Mesa 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