Surgical Technologist Salary in Cambridge, MA: $83,850 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Cambridge, MA earns a median $83,850/year (≈ $40.32/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Cambridge's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $77,281 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% above the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, surgical technologists in Cambridge, Massachusetts, can expect a median annual salary of $83,850, significantly higher than the national median of $68,141. The salary range for this profession varies considerably, with entry-level positions earning approximately $56,463 and experienced technologists making up to $126,444 annually. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS state-level data, adjusted for the local cost of living, which is higher than the national average. The specialized skills in areas like cardiovascular and neurosurgery draw premium pay, highlighting the demand for surgical technologists with advanced competencies in these critical fields. As the local healthcare market remains competitive, investing in specialty certifications can enhance opportunities for increased earnings.
About the Cambridge Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,463 | $27.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $68,133 | $32.76 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $83,850 | $40.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $103,768 | $49.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $126,444 | $60.79 |
Median Salary Position
23.05% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cambridge
In Cambridge, MA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $69,981 (2026 est.). At $83,850, the local median is 23.05% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cambridge: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cambridge Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Cambridge median: $83,850/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cambridge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $82,774 | +1.30% more |
| National Average | $68,141 | +23.05% more |
Surgical Technologists in Cambridge, MA earn a median of $83,850 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.05% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 1.30% above the Massachusetts state average of $82,774.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cambridge has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cambridge, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $83,850 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $77,281 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,435
2025 BLS Actual
$79,554
2026 Current Est.
$83,850
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Cambridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,435 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,170 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,718 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,861 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,583 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,738 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,554 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,850 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,378 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cambridge metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $59,435 (2019) to $79,554 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $88,378 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,943 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cambridge 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) | $56,463 – $68,133 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $68,133 – $83,850 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $83,850 – $103,768 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $103,768 – $126,444 |
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 Cambridge
With only 22 surgical technologists employed in the Cambridge area, the job market indicates a steady demand, though the cost of living index stands at 108.5, suggesting higher expenses for residents. Institutions such as hospital operating rooms and specialized surgical centers—particularly those focusing on cardiothoracic, orthopedic, and ophthalmology procedures—tend to offer the most lucrative salaries. Factors contributing to the variance in pay include subspecialty expertise, certification in robotic surgical technologies like the da Vinci system, and additional responsibilities such as call coverage or serving as a surgical first assistant. To maximize compensation, aspiring surgical technologists in Cambridge should prioritize obtaining CST credentials through a CAAHEP-accredited program, pursue high-demand specialties, and consider travel opportunities that often come with higher pay rates and stipends.
More salary data for Cambridge, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can surgical technologists make $100K in Cambridge?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted surgical technologist salary in Cambridge?
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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 $79,554 for surgical technologistsin the Cambridge 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 Cambridge 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