Surgical Technologist Salary in Durango, CO: $75,988 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Durango, CO earns a median $75,988/year (≈ $36.53/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Durango's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $72,370 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.3% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median salary of $75,988 in 2026, surgical technologists in Durango, CO, enjoy compensation that surpasses the national average by approximately 11.52%. The salary range for this profession spans from $60,563 at the 10th percentile to $108,562 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the variation in experience, specialty, and workplace settings. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price parities, highlighting that advanced certifications, such as robotic surgery training, can significantly enhance earning potential. Durango’s market offers opportunities within various surgical environments, providing room for growth and advancement in this evolving field.
About the Durango Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,563 | $29.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $67,983 | $32.68 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $75,988 | $36.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89,300 | $42.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108,562 | $52.19 |
Median Salary Position
11.52% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Durango
In Durango, CO, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,999 (2026 est.). At $75,988, the local median is 11.52% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Durango: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Durango Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Durango median: $75,988/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Durango Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $81,097 | -6.30% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | +11.52% more |
Surgical Technologists in Durango, CO earn a median of $75,988 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.52% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 6.30% below the Colorado state average of $81,097.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Durango has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Durango, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $75,988 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $72,370 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,862
2025 BLS Actual
$72,095
2026 Current Est.
$75,988
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Durango (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,862 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,435 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,119 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,404 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,590 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,001 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,095 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,988 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,091 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Durango metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $53,862 (2019) to $72,095 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,091 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,229 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Durango 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) | $60,563 – $67,983 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $67,983 – $75,988 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $75,988 – $89,300 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $89,300 – $108,562 |
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 Durango
The job market for surgical technologists in Durango is relatively small, with only five employed in the area, yet it remains competitive. The local cost of living index stands at 105, indicating a slightly higher-than-average cost of living, which can impact take-home pay. Among the primary employers, hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers often provide higher wages compared to ambulatory surgery centers, making them prime targets for job seekers. Factors contributing to the salary spread include the demand for specialized skills in cardiovascular and neurosurgery, the need for call coverage, and additional incentives for robotic surgery certification. To maximize their earnings, surgical technologists should consider pursuing advanced certifications, such as the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) designation, which can open doors to higher-paying roles in trauma or specialty centers. Understanding the dynamics of local employment opportunities is key for those navigating their careers in Durango, as specific qualifications and the ability to adapt to various surgical environments play pivotal roles in achieving salary growth.
More salary data for Durango, CO:
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 $72,095 for surgical technologistsin the Durango 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 Durango 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