Surgical Technologist Salary in Pocatello, ID: $62,766 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Pocatello, ID earns a median $62,766/year (≈ $30.18/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Pocatello's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 88.9), that paycheck buys what $70,598 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the Idaho state average.
Official BLS data · View source
For those considering a career as a surgical technologist in Pocatello, Idaho, the projected 2026 median salary stands at $62,766, reflecting a growing trend in specialized training such as robotic surgery certification. This certification can significantly enhance earning potential, as demonstrated by a salary range where entry-level positions start at $55,430 (P10) and can reach up to $80,431 (P90). This data, drawn from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys and projected to 2026, illustrates a somewhat competitive compensation landscape for Pocatello, especially when compared to the national median of $68,141. With a rising focus on advanced surgical techniques, the local job market shows promise for those equipped with these in-demand skills.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,430 | $26.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,766 | $30.18 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,766 | $30.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,702 | $37.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80,431 | $38.67 |
Median Salary Position
7.89% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pocatello
In Pocatello, ID, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $25,001 (2026 est.). At $62,766, the local median is 7.89% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pocatello: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pocatello Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Pocatello median: $62,766/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pocatello Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho Average | $64,908 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -7.89% less |
Surgical Technologists in Pocatello, ID earn a median of $62,766 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.89% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 3.30% below the Idaho state average of $64,908.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pocatello has a cost of living 11.09% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pocatello, ID has a cost-of-living index of 88.906 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $62,766 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $70,598 in an average-cost city — an effective 12.48% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,490
2025 BLS Actual
$59,550
2026 Current Est.
$62,766
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Pocatello (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,490 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,789 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,180 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,546 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,829 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,568 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,550 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,766 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,155 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pocatello metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $44,490 (2019) to $59,550 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,155 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,665 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pocatello 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) | $55,430 – $62,766 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,766 – $62,766 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,766 – $78,702 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,702 – $80,431 |
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 Pocatello
Examining the local job market reveals that Pocatello employs about 40 surgical technologists, which necessitates a keen understanding of how to maximize potential earnings given the cost of living index of 88.906. This indicates that the relative purchasing power may be better than in higher-cost areas. Among various employers, including hospital operating rooms and ambulatory surgical centers, the latter often offers more competitive pay. Factors influencing the salary variations include specialty expertise—where cardiothoracic and neuro specialties often yield higher compensation compared to general surgery—and the demand for travel surgical tech positions. Additionally, pursuing certifications in robotic surgery and engaging in roles such as surgical first assistant can further enhance earning capabilities. For those starting in Pocatello, actively seeking opportunities to specialize and staying updated on industry standards with credentials from organizations like AST or NBSTSA can make a significant difference in surgical technologist pay in Pocatello ID.
More salary data for Pocatello, ID:
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 $59,550 for surgical technologistsin the Pocatello 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, 3-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