Surgical Technologist Salary in Honolulu, HI: $86,501 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Honolulu, HI earns a median $86,501/year (≈ $41.59/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Honolulu's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $72,507 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.4% above the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Honolulu, surgical technologists enjoy a competitive median annual salary of $86,501, significantly enhancing their earning potential compared to the national median of $68,141. This figure reflects a diverse compensation range from $57,311 at the lower 10% to $131,968 for the top 90%. These local estimates derive from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, revealing an attractive landscape for surgical technologists, especially those focusing on specialized fields such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery, which typically command premiums. The job market in this area is vibrant, and as the demand for skilled surgical support continues to rise, these professionals can expect robust opportunities amid evolving healthcare needs.
About the Honolulu Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,311 | $27.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $69,835 | $33.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $86,501 | $41.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $109,199 | $52.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $131,968 | $63.45 |
Median Salary Position
26.94% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Honolulu
In Honolulu, HI, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $74,657 (2026 est.). At $86,501, the local median is 26.94% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Honolulu: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Honolulu Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Honolulu median: $86,501/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Honolulu Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $81,298 | +6.40% more |
| National Average | $68,141 | +26.94% more |
Surgical Technologists in Honolulu, HI earn a median of $86,501 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.94% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 6.40% above the Hawaii state average of $81,298.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Honolulu has a cost of living 19.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Honolulu, HI has a cost-of-living index of 119.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $86,501 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $72,507 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$61,314
2025 BLS Actual
$82,069
2026 Current Est.
$86,501
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Honolulu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,314 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,104 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,606 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,038 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,940 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,513 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,069 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,501 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $91,172 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Honolulu metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $61,314 (2019) to $82,069 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $91,172 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,858 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Honolulu 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) | $57,311 – $69,835 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $69,835 – $86,501 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $86,501 – $109,199 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $109,199 – $131,968 |
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 Honolulu
The surgical technologist field in Honolulu employs a workforce of 68, contributing to the local healthcare systems while facing a cost-of-living index of 119.3, higher than the national average. This elevated cost factor can influence take-home pay and purchasing power for those in the profession. Among employers, surgical technologists find the most lucrative positions within hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical units focused on orthopedics and cardiothoracic practices. The salary variance stems from numerous factors, including specialty qualifications, call coverage, and certifications like the robotic surgery stipend. Maximizing earnings in this market often requires focusing on high-demand specialties and obtaining certifications that enhance one’s marketability, thus positioning surgical technologists to negotiate salaries effectively in this dynamic environment.
More salary data for Honolulu, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do surgical technologists make in Honolulu, HI in 2026?
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Can surgical technologists make $100K in Honolulu?
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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 $82,069 for surgical technologistsin the Honolulu 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 Honolulu 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