Surgical Technologist Salary in Watertown, MA: $81,677 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Watertown, MA earns a median $81,677/year (≈ $39.27/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Watertown's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $75,278 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Surgical technologists in Watertown, Massachusetts, can expect a median annual salary of $81,677 in 2026, surpassing the national median of $68,141 by a notable 19.86%. The local salary range shows significant variation, with earnings projected between $59,139 at the lower tenth percentile and $115,773 at the upper ninetieth percentile. These estimates are informed by 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional cost differences. A key factor contributing to the higher salary expectations in Watertown is the demand for specialized skills, particularly in cardiovascular and neurosurgery, where surgical technologists often receive premiums that reflect their advanced training and expertise.
About the Watertown Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,139 | $28.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $72,180 | $34.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,677 | $39.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97,744 | $46.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $115,773 | $55.66 |
Median Salary Position
19.86% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Watertown
In Watertown, MA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $56,634 (2026 est.). At $81,677, the local median is 19.86% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Watertown: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Watertown Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Watertown median: $81,677/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Watertown Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $82,752 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | +19.86% more |
Surgical Technologists in Watertown, MA earn a median of $81,677 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.86% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 1.30% below the Massachusetts state average of $82,752.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Watertown has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Watertown, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $81,677 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $75,278 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,894
2025 BLS Actual
$77,492
2026 Current Est.
$81,677
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Watertown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,894 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,584 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,170 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,076 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,649 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,823 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,492 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,677 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,087 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Watertown metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $57,894 (2019) to $77,492 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $86,087 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,193 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Watertown 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) | $59,139 – $72,180 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $72,180 – $81,677 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,677 – $97,744 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $97,744 – $115,773 |
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 Watertown
Despite the relatively small pool of just seven surgical technologists currently employed in the area, the job market remains promising. With a cost-of-living index of 108.5, professionals in Watertown may find that purchasing power is somewhat diminished compared to national averages. Employers include hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers, with those in cardiothoracic and robotic surgery often providing the top pay. The wide salary range for surgical technologists reflects various factors, such as specialty training, on-call responsibilities, and additional certifications like robotic surgery, which can significantly influence compensation. For aspiring surgical technologists, seeking out opportunities in high-demand specialties and obtaining relevant certifications can be effective strategies to enhance their earning potential and achieve a competitive edge in the Watertown MA job market.
More salary data for Watertown, 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 $77,492 for surgical technologistsin the Watertown 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 Watertown 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