Surgical Technologist Salary in Ashland, KY: $54,476 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Ashland, KY earns a median $54,476/year (≈ $26.19/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Ashland's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $61,003 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 10.5% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Prospects for surgical technologists in Ashland, KY, are reflected in a projected median annual salary of $54,476 for 2026, significantly lower than the national median of $68,141. The local salary range extends from $39,954 at the 10th percentile to $76,133 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse pay structure influenced by experience and specialization. These figures are derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, showcasing the unique economic landscape of Ashland. Particularly, surgical technologists specializing in cardiovascular and neurosurgery can expect to command higher salaries, as these subspecialties tend to offer a wage premium compared to general surgical roles.
About the Ashland Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,954 | $19.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,391 | $22.30 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,476 | $26.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64,982 | $31.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76,133 | $36.61 |
Median Salary Position
20.05% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ashland
In Ashland, KY, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $36,179 (2026 est.). At $54,476, the local median is 20.05% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ashland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ashland Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Ashland median: $54,476/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ashland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $60,867 | -10.50% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -20.05% less |
Surgical Technologists in Ashland, KY earn a median of $54,476 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.05% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 10.50% below the Kentucky state average of $60,867.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ashland has a cost of living 10.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ashland, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $54,476 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $61,003 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,614
2025 BLS Actual
$51,685
2026 Current Est.
$54,476
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Ashland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,614 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,741 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,798 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,738 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,455 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,476 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,685 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,476 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,418 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ashland metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $38,614 (2019) to $51,685 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,418 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,804 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ashland 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) | $39,954 – $46,391 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,391 – $54,476 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,476 – $64,982 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $64,982 – $76,133 |
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 Ashland
In Ashland, the job market for surgical technologists is relatively limited, with only four professionals currently employed locally. The cost of living index stands at 89.3, suggesting that despite lower salaries, residents may enjoy a favorable purchasing power relative to many national averages. Hospitals and specialty surgical centers, especially those focusing on high-demand areas like orthopedics and cardiac procedures, tend to offer the most competitive compensation. Factors that contribute to a wide pay range include certifications in robotic surgery, call coverage opportunities, and the prestige of trauma center designation. To maximize earnings, professionals should consider pursuing additional certifications, such as the CSFA or training in robotic-assisted procedures, as these qualifications can improve job prospects and pay potential within Ashland's healthcare environment.
More salary data for Ashland, KY:
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 $51,685 for surgical technologistsin the Ashland 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 Ashland 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