Surgical Technologist Salary in Chelmsford, MA: $78,659 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Chelmsford, MA earns a median $78,659/year (≈ $37.82/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Chelmsford's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $72,497 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.9% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Salaries for surgical technologists in Chelmsford, Massachusetts project to a median annual income of $78,659 in 2026, positioning the local market at approximately 15.44% higher than the national median of $68,141. This competitive advantage comes despite a salary range that varies widely from $58,230 at the lower percentile to $116,172 at the higher end, indicating the potential for significant earnings based on factors such as specialty training and experience. Local estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for cost of living considerations, reflect the relevance of specialization areas like cardiovascular and neurosurgery, which tend to command higher wages due to the intricate skills required in these fields. As Chelmsford continues to grow as a healthcare hub, the demand for skilled surgical technologists remains robust.
About the Chelmsford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,230 | $27.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $67,657 | $32.53 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $78,659 | $37.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $96,982 | $46.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $116,172 | $55.85 |
Median Salary Position
15.44% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chelmsford
In Chelmsford, MA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $57,942 (2026 est.). At $78,659, the local median is 15.44% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chelmsford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chelmsford Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Chelmsford median: $78,659/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chelmsford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $82,712 | -4.90% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | +15.44% more |
Surgical Technologists in Chelmsford, MA earn a median of $78,659 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.44% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 4.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $82,712.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chelmsford has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chelmsford, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $78,659 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $72,497 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,755
2025 BLS Actual
$74,629
2026 Current Est.
$78,659
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Chelmsford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,755 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,383 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,021 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,598 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,965 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,132 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,629 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,659 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,907 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chelmsford metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $55,755 (2019) to $74,629 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $82,907 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,152 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chelmsford 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) | $58,230 – $67,657 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $67,657 – $78,659 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $78,659 – $96,982 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $96,982 – $116,172 |
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 Chelmsford
With only eight surgical technologists currently employed in the Chelmsford area, job opportunities may be relatively concentrated, yet the competitive pay remains appealing. The cost of living index at 108.5 suggests that while salaries outpace the national average, the purchasing power may reflect these adjustments. Surgical technologists seeking higher remuneration can find opportunities in local hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical units, especially those focused on cardiothoracic and orthopedic procedures. Factors such as specialty certifications, including robotic surgery training and roles as a surgical first assistant, can contribute to varying salary levels, as can call coverage requirements and trauma center designations. For those aiming to maximize their surgical technologist pay in Chelmsford, obtaining advanced certifications and seeking positions in high-demand specialties will be advantageous. Embracing ongoing education and training enhances career prospects in a continually evolving healthcare environment.
More salary data for Chelmsford, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can surgical technologists make $100K in Chelmsford?
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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 $74,629 for surgical technologistsin the Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford 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