Surgical Technologist Salary in Waterford, MI: $65,118 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Waterford, MI earns a median $65,118/year (≈ $31.30/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Waterford's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $69,869 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waterford, Michigan, surgical technologists can expect a median annual salary of $65,118 in 2026, slightly below the national average of $68,141. The salary range for this position varies significantly, with the lowest earners making $47,627 and the highest reaching $97,522. These figures are derived from state-level data and regional cost adjustments, reflecting local market dynamics. Specialized training, particularly in cardiovascular and neurosurgery, can lead to higher salaries due to the premium associated with these subspecialties, enhancing both the attractiveness and competitiveness of surgical technologist roles in the area.
About the Waterford Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,627 | $22.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,614 | $26.74 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,118 | $31.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,544 | $38.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97,522 | $46.88 |
Median Salary Position
4.44% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waterford
In Waterford, MI, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,895 (2026 est.). At $65,118, the local median is 4.44% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waterford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waterford Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Waterford median: $65,118/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waterford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $66,719 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -4.44% less |
Surgical Technologists in Waterford, MI earn a median of $65,118 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.44% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 2.40% below the Michigan state average of $66,719.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waterford 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.
Waterford, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $65,118 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $69,869 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,157
2025 BLS Actual
$61,782
2026 Current Est.
$65,118
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Waterford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,157 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,505 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,377 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,478 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,921 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,932 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,782 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,118 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,635 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waterford metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $46,157 (2019) to $61,782 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,635 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,478 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waterford 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) | $47,627 – $55,614 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,614 – $65,118 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,118 – $80,544 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,544 – $97,522 |
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 Waterford
The job market for surgical technologists in Waterford is relatively stable, with 16 professionals currently employed in this field. The cost of living index stands at 93.2, indicating a lower-than-average expense for residents and contributing positively to purchasing power. Employers that tend to offer the highest salaries include hospital operating rooms and specialized surgical centers, particularly those focused on orthopedics, cardiothoracic, and ophthalmology. Variability in pay is driven by factors such as specialty certification, call coverage requirements, and advanced roles like surgical first assistants. To maximize pay in this market, surgical technologists should pursue certifications such as robotic surgery and focus on gaining experience in high-demand specialties, positioning themselves effectively within Waterford’s healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Waterford, 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 $61,782 for surgical technologistsin the Waterford 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 Waterford 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