Surgical Technologist Salary in Ann Arbor, MI: $68,363 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Ann Arbor, MI earns a median $68,363/year (≈ $32.86/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Ann Arbor's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $73,351 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% above the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, surgical technologists in Ann Arbor, MI, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $68,363, slightly above the national median of $68,141, indicating a competitive local market. The salary range spans from $46,455 at the 10th percentile to $101,452 at the 90th percentile, illustrating significant potential for higher earnings based on experience and specialty. This data, derived from BLS state-level figures and regional cost adjustments, paints a promising picture for those specializing in high-demand areas, such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery, which offer premium salaries due to their complexity and necessity for advanced skills. As healthcare facilities continue to expand, jobs for surgical technologists in Ann Arbor remain a vital component of the local healthcare landscape.
About the Ann Arbor Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,455 | $22.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,076 | $26.96 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,363 | $32.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83,629 | $40.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101,452 | $48.78 |
Median Salary Position
0.33% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ann Arbor
In Ann Arbor, MI, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $54,997 (2026 est.). At $68,363, the local median is 0.33% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ann Arbor: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ann Arbor Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Ann Arbor median: $68,363/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ann Arbor Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $66,761 | +2.40% more |
| National Average | $68,141 | +0.33% more |
Surgical Technologists in Ann Arbor, MI earn a median of $68,363 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.33% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 2.40% above the Michigan state average of $66,761.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ann Arbor has a cost of living 6.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ann Arbor, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $68,363 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $73,351 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$47,470
2025 BLS Actual
$64,861
2026 Current Est.
$68,363
2019–2027 Growth
+51.8%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Ann Arbor (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,470 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,950 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,780 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,690 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,160 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,650 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,861 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,363 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,055 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ann Arbor metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 36.6% from $47,470 (2019) to $64,861 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,055 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,585 (51.79%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ann Arbor 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) | $46,455 – $56,076 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,076 – $68,363 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,363 – $83,629 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $83,629 – $101,452 |
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 Ann Arbor
With 24 surgical technologists currently employed in Ann Arbor, the job market for this profession is stable, yet competitive. The cost-of-living index in the city sits at 93.2, making it more affordable than many urban areas, thereby enhancing take-home pay and purchasing power despite the rising salary expectations. Employers that tend to offer lucrative pay packages include hospital operating rooms and specialized surgical centers, particularly in fields like orthopedic and cardiothoracic surgery. Several factors contribute to the salarial spread, such as the demand for surgical technologists certified in robotic surgery, which can yield additional stipends, and the premium associated with those performing first assistant roles. For surgical technologists aiming to boost their income in Ann Arbor, pursuing advanced certifications and specializing in high-demand surgical fields can significantly enhance their earning potential.
More salary data for Ann Arbor, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do surgical technologists make in Ann Arbor, MI in 2026?
Is Ann Arbor, MI a good place to work as a surgical technologist?
Can surgical technologists make $100K in Ann Arbor?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted surgical technologist salary in Ann Arbor?
How much does a surgical technologist make per hour in Ann Arbor?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Michigan
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 $64,861 for surgical technologistsin the Ann Arbor 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 Ann Arbor 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