Surgical Technologist Salary in Rockville, MD: $72,609 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Rockville, MD earns a median $72,609/year (≈ $34.91/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Rockville's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $66,431 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Surgical technologists specializing in cardiovascular or neurosurgery in Rockville, Maryland, can anticipate a competitive median annual salary of $72,609 in 2026, surpassing the national median of $68,141 by 6.56%. The salary range is quite broad, from $52,994 at the lower end (P10) to as high as $108,415 (P90) for top earners in specialized roles. These figures are estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local pricing and cost of living. With a thriving healthcare environment in Rockville, skilled surgical technologists are well-positioned to benefit from both the demand in the field and the premium pay associated with advanced specialties.
About the Rockville Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,994 | $25.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,339 | $29.01 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $72,609 | $34.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89,837 | $43.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108,415 | $52.12 |
Median Salary Position
6.56% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rockville
In Rockville, MD, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $55,421 (2026 est.). At $72,609, the local median is 6.56% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Rockville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Rockville Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Rockville median: $72,609/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rockville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $74,471 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | +6.56% more |
Surgical Technologists in Rockville, MD earn a median of $72,609 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.56% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 2.50% below the Maryland state average of $74,471.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rockville has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Rockville, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $72,609 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $66,431 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$51,467
2025 BLS Actual
$68,889
2026 Current Est.
$72,609
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Rockville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,467 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,969 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,712 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,629 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,584 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,935 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,889 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,609 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,530 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rockville metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $51,467 (2019) to $68,889 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $76,530 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,063 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rockville 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) | $52,994 – $60,339 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,339 – $72,609 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $72,609 – $89,837 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $89,837 – $108,415 |
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 Rockville
In the local job market, Rockville hosts 15 surgical technologists, which may seem modest but reflects a niche sector with potential for growth, projected to expand at an annual rate of 5.40%. The cost-of-living index stands at 109.3, indicating that while salaries are robust, the purchasing power may be slightly diminished compared to the national average. Hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical units—especially those specializing in orthopedic and cardiothoracic procedures—often offer the most competitive pay packages. The variable pay in Rockville can be influenced by the specific surgical specialties, with cardiovascular and neuro specialties typically commanding higher wages than general surgery. To maximize earning potential in this region, surgical technologists should consider gaining certifications in robotic surgery, actively pursue roles in trauma centers, and look for positions that offer call coverage or travel opportunities, all of which can significantly enhance compensation.
More salary data for Rockville, 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 $68,889 for surgical technologistsin the Rockville 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 Rockville 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