Surgical Technologist Salary in Bear, DE: $57,371 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Bear, DE earns a median $57,371/year (≈ $27.58/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Bear's price level (2% above national, BEA RPP 101.7), that paycheck buys what $56,412 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.2% below the Delaware state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bear, Delaware, the projected median salary for surgical technologists in 2026 is $57,371, which is notably lower than the national median of $68,141, reflecting a regional pay disparity. Salaries in the local market range from $43,054 at the 10th percentile to $78,875 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, based on 2025 BLS data, incorporate regional price parity, highlighting the influence of local economic conditions on salary. The presence of advanced surgical techniques, such as robotic surgery, is elevating the demand for certified surgical technologists, particularly those with specialized credentials, which can positively affect compensation levels in Bear’s healthcare facilities.
About the Bear Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,054 | $20.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,384 | $23.75 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,371 | $27.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,801 | $32.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78,875 | $37.92 |
Median Salary Position
15.81% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bear
In Bear, DE, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,821 (2026 est.). At $57,371, the local median is 15.81% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bear: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bear Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Bear median: $57,371/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bear Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware Average | $59,887 | -4.20% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -15.81% less |
Surgical Technologists in Bear, DE earn a median of $57,371 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.81% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 4.20% below the Delaware state average of $59,887.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bear has a cost of living 1.70% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bear, DE has a cost-of-living index of 101.7 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $57,371 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $56,412 — a 1.67% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$40,666
2025 BLS Actual
$54,432
2026 Current Est.
$57,371
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Bear (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,666 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,853 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,860 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,115 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,031 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,527 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,432 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,371 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,469 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bear metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $40,666 (2019) to $54,432 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,469 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,803 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bear 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) | $43,054 – $49,384 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,384 – $57,371 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,371 – $67,801 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,801 – $78,875 |
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 Bear
With only six surgical technologists currently employed in Bear, the local job market appears limited, yet it underscores the potential for growth in this field, projected to expand at an annual rate of 5.40%. The cost of living index in Bear stands at 101.7, slightly above the national average, which may impact the paying power of salaries here. Surgical technologists may find the highest compensation opportunities in hospital operating rooms and specialized surgical centers, where advanced specialties such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery yield premium salaries. Factors influencing salary variance include certification in robotic surgery, which offers financial incentives, and roles such as surgical first assistants that typically command higher pay. For those looking to maximize their surgical technologist pay in Bear, enhancing skills with specialization certifications and seeking employment in high-demand areas are practical strategies for career advancement.
More salary data for Bear, DE:
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 $54,432 for surgical technologistsin the Bear 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 Bear 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