Surgical Technologist Salary in Laurel, MD: $70,750 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Laurel, MD earns a median $70,750/year (≈ $34.01/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Laurel's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $64,730 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the surgical technologist salary in Laurel, Maryland, is projected to reach a median of $70,750, which reflects a 3.83% increase compared to the national median of $68,141. Local salaries span from $52,600 at the 10th percentile to $104,227 at the 90th percentile, highlighting the potential earnings within this profession. The data, derived from state-level estimates and adjusted for regional price parity, indicates that the demand for skilled surgical technologists is on the rise, as many facilities begin to recognize the value of specialized certifications, such as robotic surgery endorsements. These certifications not only improve the precision of surgical procedures but can also enhance compensation packages for those who hold them, further bolstering the reputation of surgical technologists in Laurel's competitive job market.
About the Laurel Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,600 | $25.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,800 | $29.23 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $70,750 | $34.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87,283 | $41.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104,227 | $50.11 |
Median Salary Position
3.83% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Laurel
In Laurel, MD, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,627 (2026 est.). At $70,750, the local median is 3.83% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Laurel: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Laurel Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Laurel median: $70,750/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Laurel Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $74,473 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | +3.83% more |
Surgical Technologists in Laurel, MD earn a median of $70,750 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.83% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 5.00% below the Maryland state average of $74,473.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Laurel has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Laurel, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $70,750 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $64,730 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$50,149
2025 BLS Actual
$67,125
2026 Current Est.
$70,750
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Laurel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,149 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,613 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,388 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,102 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,930 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,297 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,125 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,750 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,570 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Laurel metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $50,149 (2019) to $67,125 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $74,570 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,421 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Laurel 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) | $52,600 – $60,800 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,800 – $70,750 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $70,750 – $87,283 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $87,283 – $104,227 |
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 Laurel
As of now, there are only six surgical technologists employed in Laurel, pointing toward a somewhat niche market that may lead to increased job security for qualified candidates. While the cost-of-living index stands at 109.3, indicating that living expenses are higher than the national average, this means that taking home a competitive salary is crucial for maintaining a comfortable lifestyle in the area. Employers in the local market include hospital operating rooms, specialty surgical centers, and ambulatory surgery clinics, with the highest pay often found in trauma centers and those specializing in complex surgical procedures like cardiothoracic and orthopedic surgeries. The pay scale varies significantly, and factors such as specialty focus, on-call duties, and certifications, particularly in robotic surgical technologies, can dramatically impact earnings. To maximize pay, aspiring surgical technologists in Laurel should consider obtaining additional credentials, gaining experience in high-demand specialties, and exploring travel surgical tech opportunities, which often come with premium wage rates.
More salary data for Laurel, MD:
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 $67,125 for surgical technologistsin the Laurel 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 Laurel 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