Surgical Technologist Salary in Hilo, HI: $77,140 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Hilo, HI earns a median $77,140/year (≈ $37.09/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Hilo's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $64,661 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Hilo, Hawaii, shows a promising outlook for surgical technologists, with a 2026 median annual salary projected at $77,140, which is notably higher than the national figure of $68,141. Salaries for this profession in Hilo will range from $57,218 at the lower end (P10) to $113,485 at the higher end (P90), reflecting a robust job market stimulated by the presence of various healthcare facilities in the area. Estimates derived from BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional pricing, indicate that positions in large hospital operating rooms tend to offer the most competitive compensation compared to ambulatory surgery centers and specialty surgical centers. This dynamic not only underscores the demand for surgical technologists but also highlights the diverse opportunities available for professionals in Hilo's healthcare sector.
About the Hilo Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,218 | $27.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,193 | $31.82 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $77,140 | $37.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $95,072 | $45.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $113,485 | $54.56 |
Median Salary Position
13.21% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hilo
In Hilo, HI, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $56,267 (2026 est.). At $77,140, the local median is 13.21% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hilo: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hilo Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Hilo median: $77,140/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hilo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $81,286 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | +13.21% more |
Surgical Technologists in Hilo, HI earn a median of $77,140 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.21% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 5.10% below the Hawaii state average of $81,286.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hilo has a cost of living 19.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hilo, HI has a cost-of-living index of 119.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $77,140 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $64,661 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,679
2025 BLS Actual
$73,188
2026 Current Est.
$77,140
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Hilo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,679 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,275 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,939 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,350 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,614 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,585 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,188 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,140 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,306 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hilo metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $54,679 (2019) to $73,188 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $81,306 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,627 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hilo 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) | $57,218 – $66,193 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,193 – $77,140 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $77,140 – $95,072 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $95,072 – $113,485 |
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 Hilo
While the projected salary figures for surgical technologists in Hilo are attractive, the local job market currently employs only seven individuals in this role, which presents a unique scenario for job seekers. The cost of living index in Hilo stands at 119.3, suggesting that while salaries are higher, prospective surgical technologists need to consider how far their earnings will stretch in an environment that exceeds the national average for living expenses. Hospitals typically provide the most substantial pay, especially for roles involving specialties like cardiovascular and neurosurgery, while positions that require certifications in robotic surgery can command a premium. Variations in pay also arise from factors like call coverage, the complexity of surgical procedures, and travel surgical tech rates. For those entering the field, obtaining credentials such as the CST and pursuing additional training in specialties can be effective strategies for maximizing earnings in Hilo, HI.
More salary data for Hilo, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can surgical technologists make $100K in Hilo?
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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 $73,188 for surgical technologistsin the Hilo 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 Hilo 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