Surgical Technologist Salary in Washington, DC: $83,003 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Washington, DC earns a median $83,003/year (≈ $39.90/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Washington's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.9), that paycheck buys what $76,231 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.1% above the District of Columbia state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, surgical technologists in Washington, DC are projected to earn a median annual salary of $83,003, significantly higher than the national average of $68,141, which reflects a premium of approximately 21.81%. Salary ranges for this profession in the nation’s capital vary widely, with a low of $48,737 at the 10th percentile and a high of $107,951 at the 90th percentile. This data is sourced from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, which offer insights into the local market dynamics affecting surgical technologist pay. The demand for skilled professionals in this specialty is particularly driven by advancements in cardiovascular and neurosurgery, where technologists with specialized training can command higher salaries and maximize their earning potential.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,737 | $23.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $67,445 | $32.42 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $83,003 | $39.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97,853 | $47.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107,951 | $51.90 |
Median Salary Position
21.81% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Washington
In Washington, DC, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $59,214 (2026 est.). At $83,003, the local median is 21.81% above the national median of $68,141.
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How Washington Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Washington median: $83,003/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Washington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia Average | $79,733 | +4.10% more |
| National Average | $68,141 | +21.81% more |
Surgical Technologists in Washington, DC earn a median of $83,003 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.81% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 4.10% above the District of Columbia state average of $79,733.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Washington has a cost of living 8.88% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Washington, DC has a cost-of-living index of 108.884 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $83,003 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $76,231 — a 8.16% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,780
2025 BLS Actual
$78,750
2026 Current Est.
$83,003
2019–2027 Growth
+46.3%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Washington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,780 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,010 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,160 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,560 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,970 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,680 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,750 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,003 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,485 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Washington metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 31.7% from $59,780 (2019) to $78,750 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $87,485 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,705 (46.34%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Washington 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) | $48,737 – $67,445 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $67,445 – $83,003 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $83,003 – $97,853 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $97,853 – $107,951 |
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 Washington
The job market for surgical technologists in Washington, DC is robust, with around 1,430 individuals currently employed in the field. However, the cost of living index stands at 108.884, indicating a higher cost of living relative to the national average, which means that while salaries are on the rise, so too are the living expenses. Among local employers, hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers, especially those focused on cardiothoracic procedures, typically offer the highest compensation. Factors contributing to the disparity in pay include specialty certifications, such as those for robotic surgery and the role of surgical first assistants, as well as call coverage opportunities. For those looking to maximize their salary, gaining certifications in high-demand specialties and exploring employment with travel surgical tech agencies can result in significant earnings growth in this competitive market.
More salary data for Washington, DC:
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 $78,750 for surgical technologistsin the Washington 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, 7-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