Surgical Technologist Salary in Tucson, AZ: $67,994 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Tucson, AZ earns a median $67,994/year (≈ $32.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Tucson's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 96.9), that paycheck buys what $70,172 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% above the Arizona state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Tucson, Arizona, surgical technologists earn a median annual salary of $67,994, slightly below the national median of $68,141 for 2026. This figure captures the growing demand for surgical professionals, particularly those with robotic surgery certifications, which add a competitive edge in compensation. The salary range for this occupation in Tucson spans from $50,076 at the lowest decile to $85,248 at the highest, reflecting the diversity in roles and experience levels within the field. This data is sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) surveys, highlighting a framework that influences hiring in the local market. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the opportunities for qualified surgical technologists appear promising in Tucson.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,076 | $24.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,544 | $30.07 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $67,994 | $32.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85,248 | $40.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85,248 | $40.98 |
Median Salary Position
0.22% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tucson
In Tucson, AZ, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,172 (2026 est.). At $67,994, the local median is 0.22% below the national median of $68,141.
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At 40 hours/week in Tucson: You'd be above the median
How Tucson Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Tucson median: $67,994/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tucson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $67,121 | +1.30% more |
| National Average | $68,141 | -0.22% less |
Surgical Technologists in Tucson, AZ earn a median of $67,994 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.22% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 1.30% above the Arizona state average of $67,121.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tucson has a cost of living 3.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tucson, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 96.896 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $67,994 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $70,172 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.2% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,950
2025 BLS Actual
$64,510
2026 Current Est.
$67,994
2019–2027 Growth
+46.4%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Tucson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,950 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,320 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,930 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,390 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,479 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,240 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,510 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,994 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,665 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tucson metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 31.8% from $48,950 (2019) to $64,510 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,665 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,715 (46.40%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tucson 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) | $50,076 – $62,544 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,544 – $67,994 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $67,994 – $85,248 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $85,248 – $85,248 |
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 Tucson
The job market for surgical technologists in Tucson features approximately 340 professionals, evidencing stable demand. With a cost of living index of 96.896, which is below the national average, the purchasing power for surgical technologists in this region can be more advantageous compared to other areas. Employers providing the highest compensation typically include hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers focused on fields like orthopedic or cardiac surgery. Factors contributing to the salary range include the specifics of surgical specialties, call coverage, and additional stipends for robotic surgery certifications. Maximizing pay often involves pursuing advanced roles such as surgical first assistant or considering opportunities with travel surgical tech agencies, where pay scales can be more lucrative. Understanding local market dynamics is essential for those asking how much do surgical technologists make in Tucson and looking to enhance their earning potential.
More salary data for Tucson, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do surgical technologists make in Tucson, AZ 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
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 $64,510 for surgical technologistsin the Tucson 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, 6-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