Surgical Technologist Salary in Tempe, AZ: $67,402 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Tempe, AZ earns a median $67,402/year (≈ $32.40/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Tempe's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $68,428 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.4% above the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Surgical technologists in Tempe, AZ, can anticipate a median annual salary of $67,402 in 2026, which is slightly lower than the national median of $68,141. This local figure represents a salary range from $49,237 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $99,772 for the highest earners (90th percentile). The data, derived from 2025 BLS estimates and adjusted for regional price differences, indicates a steady demand for these professionals, driven partially by the increased adoption of robotic surgery procedures requiring specialized training. As the field evolves, certifications such as robotic surgery proficiency are becoming essential, directly impacting compensation levels for surgical techs in Tempe's healthcare facilities.
About the Tempe Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,237 | $23.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,683 | $27.73 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $67,402 | $32.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82,303 | $39.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99,772 | $47.97 |
Median Salary Position
1.08% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tempe
In Tempe, AZ, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,535 (2026 est.). At $67,402, the local median is 1.08% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tempe: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tempe Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Tempe median: $67,402/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tempe Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $67,134 | +0.40% more |
| National Average | $68,141 | -1.08% less |
Surgical Technologists in Tempe, AZ earn a median of $67,402 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.08% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 0.40% above the Arizona state average of $67,134.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tempe 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.
Tempe, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $67,402 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $68,428 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$47,776
2025 BLS Actual
$63,949
2026 Current Est.
$67,402
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Tempe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,776 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,171 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,004 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,353 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,953 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,371 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,949 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,402 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,042 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tempe metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $47,776 (2019) to $63,949 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,042 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,266 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tempe 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) | $49,237 – $57,683 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,683 – $67,402 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $67,402 – $82,303 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $82,303 – $99,772 |
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 Tempe
In Tempe, the job market for surgical technologists consists of approximately 43 professionals employed within the area, which suggests a stable demand for this role. With a cost of living index of 98.5, the purchasing power in Tempe is slightly below the national average, but this can vary based on employers. Leading employers offering higher pay include hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical centers in areas such as orthopedics and cardiothoracics. Factors contributing to salary disparities include specialty certifications, call coverage, additional responsibilities as first surgical assistants, and even travel tech agencies providing premium rates. For individuals seeking to maximize their earnings in Tempe's market, pursuing additional certifications in robotic surgery or focusing on in-demand surgical specialties could enhance their career prospects and salary potential.
More salary data for Tempe, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do surgical technologists make in Tempe, AZ in 2026?
Is Tempe, AZ a good place to work as a surgical technologist?
Can surgical technologists make $100K in Tempe?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted surgical technologist salary in Tempe?
How much does a surgical technologist make per hour in Tempe?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Arizona
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 $63,949 for surgical technologistsin the Tempe 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 Tempe 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