Surgical Technologist Salary in Meridian, ID: $65,180 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Meridian, ID earns a median $65,180/year (≈ $31.34/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Meridian's price level (5% below national, BEA RPP 95.3), that paycheck buys what $68,395 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.4% above the Idaho state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, surgical technologists in Meridian, Idaho, can expect a median annual salary of $65,180, reflecting a competitive position within the healthcare market. This figure represents a range of earnings from $47,499 at the lower end (P10) to $100,471 for those at the highest percentile (P90). The local estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for the cost of living, indicate that professionals specializing in cardiovascular and neurosurgery are likely to command premium compensation relative to their peers in other areas. Additionally, with the national median salary being $68,141, the surgical technologist salary in Meridian illustrates a slightly lower but still attractive pay scale that is consistent with the area's economic framework.
About the Meridian Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,499 | $22.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,745 | $26.80 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,180 | $31.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,602 | $38.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100,471 | $48.30 |
Median Salary Position
4.35% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Meridian
In Meridian, ID, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,972 (2026 est.). At $65,180, the local median is 4.35% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Meridian: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Meridian Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Meridian median: $65,180/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Meridian Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho Average | $64,921 | +0.40% more |
| National Average | $68,141 | -4.35% less |
Surgical Technologists in Meridian, ID earn a median of $65,180 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.35% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 0.40% above the Idaho state average of $64,921.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Meridian has a cost of living 4.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Meridian, ID has a cost-of-living index of 95.3 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $65,180 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $68,395 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,201
2025 BLS Actual
$61,841
2026 Current Est.
$65,180
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Meridian (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,201 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,550 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,421 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,529 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,977 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,567 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,841 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,180 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,700 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Meridian metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $46,201 (2019) to $61,841 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,700 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,499 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Meridian 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) | $47,499 – $55,745 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,745 – $65,180 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,180 – $79,602 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,602 – $100,471 |
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 Meridian
The job market for surgical technologists in Meridian is robust, with approximately 30 professionals currently employed in the field. The cost of living index for the area stands at 95.3, indicating that while salaries are competitive, they also reflect the local economic landscape, allowing for reasonable take-home purchasing power. The highest pay is typically found in specialized environments such as orthopedic and ambulatory surgery centers, as well as military and VA surgical units. The factors influencing salary variation include expertise in high-demand specialties, certification in robotic surgery, and the responsibilities associated with roles such as surgical first assistant. For those looking to maximize their compensation in Meridian ID, seeking certifications that enhance employability, including robotic surgery credentials, and targeting high-demand specialties may prove effective strategies.
More salary data for Meridian, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can surgical technologists make $100K in Meridian?
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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 $61,841 for surgical technologistsin the Meridian 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 Meridian 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