Surgical Technologist Salary in Delaware: $61,866 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Delaware's 6 metropolitan areas, the average median surgical technologist pay sits at $61,866/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-2055. Because Delaware sits at BEA RPP 101.7 (2% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $60,832 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Wilmington ($70,840), Newark ($56,434), Dover ($56,288).
When examining surgical technologist salaries in Delaware for 2026, the average median salary stands at $61,866, which is 9.2% lower than the national median of $68,141. Wilmington ranks as the highest-paying city in the state with a salary of $74,665, while Middletown offers the lowest at $55,314, creating a salary gap of $19,351 between these cities. This discrepancy can be attributed to factors such as the cost of living, local demand for healthcare services, and the concentration of medical facilities in urban areas like Wilmington. Delaware's job market for surgical technologists is projected to grow at an annual rate of 5.40%, reflecting a steady demand for skilled professionals in this field. Factors influencing this demand include an aging population in need of surgical procedures and advancements in medical technology. In terms of state-specific guidelines, Delaware has its own licensing requirements and scope of practice laws that must be adhered to, affecting the overall job market. Understanding these regulations is crucial for aspiring surgical technologists looking to pursue a career in Delaware. Overall, there are opportunities for growth and a variety of potential employers within the state's healthcare system.
Delaware Surgical Technologist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Delaware: $41,058 (lowest entry-level) to $108,846 (highest top earner)
Delaware vs National Average
Delaware surgical technologists earn 9.21% less than the national median ($-6,275/year difference).
Delaware Surgical Technologist Salary Distribution (2026)
Surgical Technologist salaries in Delaware range from $44,970 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $88,030 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $61,866. The Delaware median is $6,275 below the US national median of $68,141. The average hourly rate is $29.74/hr. Approximately 39 surgical technologists are employed across 6 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$43,852
2025 BLS Actual
$58,696
2026 Current Est.
$61,866
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Delaware (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,852 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,132 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,061 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,880 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,029 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,322 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,696 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,866 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,207 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Delaware metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $43,852 (2019) to $58,696 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,207 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,355 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Delaware 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Delaware
Lowest Paying Cities in Delaware
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Middletown | $55,314 |
| Smyrna | $55,463 |
| Bear | $57,371 |
| Dover | $59,328 |
| Newark | $59,481 |
Best Value Cities for Surgical Technologists in Delaware
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Delaware cities offer the most purchasing power for surgical technologists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilmington | $74,665 | 101.7 | $73,417 |
| Newark | $59,481 | 101.7 | $58,487 |
| Dover | $59,328 | 101.7 | $58,336 |
| Bear | $57,371 | 101.7 | $56,412 |
| Smyrna | $55,463 | 101.7 | $54,536 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Delaware
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $44,970 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $61,866 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $88,030 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Delaware metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 6 Cities in Delaware
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wilmington | $74,665 |
| 2 | Newark | $59,481 |
| 3 | Dover | $59,328 |
| 4 | Bear | $57,371 |
| 5 | Smyrna | $55,463 |
| 6 | Middletown | $55,314 |
More Delaware Salary Data
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced surgical technologists.
Explore More Surgical Technologist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do surgical technologists make in Delaware in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for surgical technologists in Delaware?
How does Delaware surgical technologist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level surgical technologist salary in Delaware?
How many surgical technologists are employed in Delaware?
Which Delaware city offers the best value for surgical technologists?
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
Statewide 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. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 surgical technologist compensation across Delaware. State averages are employment-weighted across 6 metro areas — larger metro areas with more surgical technologistscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 3-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