Surgical Technologist Salary in Salem, MA: $79,731 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Salem, MA earns a median $79,731/year (≈ $38.33/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Salem's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $73,485 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.6% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Salem, Massachusetts, surgical technologists can expect a promising median annual salary of $79,731 in 2026, reflecting the area's competitive healthcare environment. Salaries in this profession vary significantly, with a range from $61,034 at the 10th percentile to $119,623 for those at the 90th percentile. These estimates are derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for the region's cost of living. Given the choice between hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers (ASC), and specialty surgical centers, employment conditions in Salem provide a solid opportunity for those entering or advancing in the surgical technology field.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,034 | $29.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $69,893 | $33.60 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $79,731 | $38.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94,911 | $45.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $119,623 | $57.51 |
Median Salary Position
17.01% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salem
In Salem, MA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,589 (2026 est.). At $79,731, the local median is 17.01% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Salem: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Salem Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Salem median: $79,731/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Salem Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $82,708 | -3.60% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | +17.01% more |
Surgical Technologists in Salem, MA earn a median of $79,731 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.01% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 3.60% below the Massachusetts state average of $82,708.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Salem has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Salem, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $79,731 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $73,485 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,515
2025 BLS Actual
$75,646
2026 Current Est.
$79,731
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,515 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,165 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,784 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,478 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,919 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,089 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,646 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,731 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,036 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Salem metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $56,515 (2019) to $75,646 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $84,036 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,521 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salem 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) | $61,034 – $69,893 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $69,893 – $79,731 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $79,731 – $94,911 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $94,911 – $119,623 |
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 Salem
Currently, Salem employs only eight surgical technologists, indicating a relatively niche yet specialized job market. This limited supply plays a role in the overall dynamics of surgical technologist pay in Salem MA, particularly with a cost-of-living index at 108.5, which means residents may need to account for higher living costs when assessing their salary's purchasing power. Employers such as hospital operating rooms typically offer higher pay compared to general ASCs, and those specializing in fields like cardiovascular or neurosurgery tend to command even greater wages due to the complexity and demands of such roles. Factors driving the disparity between lower and higher wages include the significance of certifications—like robotic surgery proficiency—and responsibilities such as call coverage or acting as a surgical first assistant. For those looking to maximize their surgical technologist salary in Salem, pursuing specialty certifications and seeking positions in trauma centers or travel surgical tech roles can enhance earning potential significantly.
More salary data for Salem, MA:
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 $75,646 for surgical technologistsin the Salem 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 Salem 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