Surgical Technologist Salary in Muskegon, MI: $65,035 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Muskegon, MI earns a median $65,035/year (≈ $31.26/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Muskegon's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $69,780 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Muskegon, Michigan, the surgical technologist salary stands at a median annual rate of $65,035, slightly below the national median of $68,141. The salary range for this profession varies significantly, stretching from $45,716 at the 10th percentile to $92,871 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a notable diversity in compensation that can depend on specialization. Estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments indicate that surgical technologists with expertise in cardiovascular or neurosurgery see higher salaries due to the complex nature of these specialties. As demand for surgical procedures continues to increase, particularly in specialized areas, the job market for surgical technologists remains promising in Muskegon.
About the Muskegon Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,716 | $21.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,943 | $25.94 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,035 | $31.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,247 | $37.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92,871 | $44.65 |
Median Salary Position
4.56% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Muskegon
In Muskegon, MI, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,155 (2026 est.). At $65,035, the local median is 4.56% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Muskegon: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Muskegon Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Muskegon median: $65,035/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Muskegon Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $66,703 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -4.56% less |
Surgical Technologists in Muskegon, MI earn a median of $65,035 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.56% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 2.50% below the Michigan state average of $66,703.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Muskegon 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.
Muskegon, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $65,035 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $69,780 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,740
2025 BLS Actual
$61,703
2026 Current Est.
$65,035
2019–2027 Growth
+46.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Muskegon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,740 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,490 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,660 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,770 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,847 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,867 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,703 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,035 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,547 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Muskegon metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 32.0% from $46,740 (2019) to $61,703 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,547 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,807 (46.66%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Muskegon 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) | $45,716 – $53,943 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,943 – $65,035 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,035 – $78,247 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,247 – $92,871 |
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 Muskegon
The local job market for surgical technologists is relatively modest, with just seven professionals employed in the area. The cost of living index in Muskegon is at 93.2, which is below the national average and positively influences take-home purchasing power. Facilities that tend to offer higher pay include hospital operating rooms, specialty surgical centers, and ambulatory surgery centers, particularly those focused on orthopedic and cardiothoracic procedures. Factors contributing to the variance in pay include specialization, call coverage, and certifications in robotic surgery, which can provide additional stipends. To maximize earnings, those in Muskegon should consider pursuing advanced certifications and taking on roles in high-demand specialties, such as cardiovascular or neuro, while staying informed about opportunities in travel surgical tech positions, which often command premium rates.
More salary data for Muskegon, 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 $61,703 for surgical technologistsin the Muskegon 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 Muskegon 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