Surgical Technologist Salary in Winter Haven, FL: $64,043 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Winter Haven, FL earns a median $64,043/year (≈ $30.79/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Winter Haven's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $63,535 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% below the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The trend towards robotic surgery certification is significantly influencing surgical technologist salaries in Winter Haven, Florida, with 2026 projections indicating a median annual pay of $64,043, which is slightly below the national average of $68,141. The salary range for surgical technologists in this region varies widely, from $45,283 at the 10th percentile to $96,302 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the diverse earning potential depending on experience, specialization, and credentials. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price disparities, reflect the evolving demands of the healthcare sector and the growing importance of advanced surgical techniques. Winter Haven’s job market is responding to these shifts, offering opportunities that promise competitive remuneration for qualified surgical technologists.
About the Winter Haven Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,283 | $21.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,528 | $25.74 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,043 | $30.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,447 | $38.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96,302 | $46.30 |
Median Salary Position
6.01% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Winter Haven
In Winter Haven, FL, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,019 (2026 est.). At $64,043, the local median is 6.01% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Winter Haven: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Winter Haven Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Winter Haven median: $64,043/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Winter Haven Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $65,085 | -1.60% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -6.01% less |
Surgical Technologists in Winter Haven, FL earn a median of $64,043 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.01% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 1.60% below the Florida state average of $65,085.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Winter Haven has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Winter Haven, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $64,043 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $63,535 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,395
2025 BLS Actual
$60,762
2026 Current Est.
$64,043
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Winter Haven (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,395 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,720 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,611 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,595 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,965 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,957 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,762 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,043 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,501 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Winter Haven metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $45,395 (2019) to $60,762 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,501 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,106 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Winter Haven 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) | $45,283 – $53,528 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,528 – $64,043 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,043 – $79,447 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,447 – $96,302 |
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 Winter Haven
In this compact market, only 10 surgical technologists are currently employed, highlighting the specialized nature of the field in Winter Haven. The cost of living index of 100.8 indicates that while wages might be lower than the national average, the purchasing power is still reasonably maintainable. Employers such as hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgical centers, and specialty facilities are often the highest payers, especially for those holding advanced certifications in robotic surgery or working in high-demand specialties like cardiovascular and neurosurgery. The substantial pay range observed here can be attributed to various factors including the complexity of cases handled, on-call requirements, and the premiums associated with specific roles like surgical first assistant positions. To maximize earning potential in this locale, aspiring surgical technologists should focus on acquiring specialized skills, including robotic surgery certification and pursuing opportunities in facilities that handle high-trauma surgeries or have a reputation for competitive pay scales.
More salary data for Winter Haven, FL:
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 $60,762 for surgical technologistsin the Winter Haven 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 Winter Haven 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