Surgical Technologist Salary in Battle Creek, MI: $67,543 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Battle Creek, MI earns a median $67,543/year (≈ $32.47/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Battle Creek's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $72,471 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% above the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, surgical technologists in Battle Creek can expect a median annual salary of $67,543, which is slightly below the national median of $68,141. This position offers a salary range between $45,994 at the 10th percentile and $99,188 at the 90th percentile, reflecting varying levels of experience and specialization. These estimates, derived from state-level data and regional price adjustments, indicate a local job environment that may be influenced by the demand for specialists in cardiovascular and neuro surgeries. As medical facilities prioritize these high-stakes specialties, professionals aiming to elevate their earnings should consider pursuing certifications that align with these fields.
About the Battle Creek Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,994 | $22.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,131 | $26.51 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $67,543 | $32.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82,570 | $39.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99,188 | $47.68 |
Median Salary Position
0.88% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Battle Creek
In Battle Creek, MI, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,194 (2026 est.). At $67,543, the local median is 0.88% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Battle Creek: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Battle Creek Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Battle Creek median: $67,543/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Battle Creek Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $66,743 | +1.20% more |
| National Average | $68,141 | -0.88% less |
Surgical Technologists in Battle Creek, MI earn a median of $67,543 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.88% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 1.20% above the Michigan state average of $66,743.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Battle Creek 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.
Battle Creek, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $67,543 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $72,471 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,876
2025 BLS Actual
$64,083
2026 Current Est.
$67,543
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Battle Creek (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,876 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,274 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,104 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,469 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,078 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,830 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,083 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,543 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,191 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Battle Creek metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $47,876 (2019) to $64,083 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,191 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,315 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Battle Creek 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) | $45,994 – $55,131 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,131 – $67,543 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $67,543 – $82,570 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $82,570 – $99,188 |
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 Battle Creek
The job market in Battle Creek includes a modest workforce of just eight surgical technologists, suggesting a relatively stable but competitive environment. With a cost-of-living index of 93.2, professionals are likely to find their take-home pay stretches further than in higher-cost areas. Among local employers, hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers tend to offer the highest salaries. The discrepancy between lower and higher wages is driven by factors such as specialty certification in cardiovascular or neurosurgery, roles as surgical first assistants, and potential premiums for trauma center designation. To optimize earnings in this market, aspiring surgical technologists should focus on obtaining advanced certifications like robotic surgery, as well as seek positions in facilities with robust specialty programs.
More salary data for Battle Creek, MI:
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 $64,083 for surgical technologistsin the Battle Creek 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 Battle Creek 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