Surgical Technologist Salary in Helena, MT: $66,307 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Helena, MT earns a median $66,307/year (≈ $31.88/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Helena's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 95.7), that paycheck buys what $69,304 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% above the Montana state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Helena, Montana, surgical technologists can expect a median annual salary of $66,307 in 2026, reflecting a competitive position for this vital healthcare role. The salary range spans from $39,114 at the 10th percentile to $96,072 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse earning potential based on experience, specialty, and work setting. This salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and highlights the variation in compensation based on the type of facility. Surgical technologists in Helena may find that while working in hospital operating rooms typically offers a stable salary, those employed at ambulatory surgery centers or specialty surgical centers might experience different pay scales depending on the complexity of the procedures performed.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,114 | $18.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,929 | $24.48 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,307 | $31.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,138 | $35.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96,072 | $46.19 |
Median Salary Position
2.69% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Helena
In Helena, MT, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $56,958 (2026 est.). At $66,307, the local median is 2.69% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Helena: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Helena Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Helena median: $66,307/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Helena Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Average | $65,521 | +1.20% more |
| National Average | $68,141 | -2.69% less |
Surgical Technologists in Helena, MT earn a median of $66,307 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.69% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 1.20% above the Montana state average of $65,521.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Helena has a cost of living 4.33% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Helena, MT has a cost-of-living index of 95.675 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $66,307 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $69,304 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,000
2025 BLS Actual
$62,910
2026 Current Est.
$66,307
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Helena (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,000 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,372 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,224 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,454 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,979 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,589 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,910 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,307 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,888 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Helena metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $47,000 (2019) to $62,910 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,888 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,888 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Helena 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) | $39,114 – $50,929 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,929 – $66,307 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,307 – $74,138 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,138 – $96,072 |
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 Helena
Currently, there are approximately 40 surgical technologists working in Helena, MT, and the area's cost of living index sits at 95.675, which suggests a more affordable lifestyle compared to the national average. This lower cost of living enhances the real purchasing power of the surgical technologist pay in Helena. Employers, such as major hospitals or specialty surgical centers focusing on fields like orthopedics or cardiothoracic surgery, tend to offer the most competitive salaries. The pay disparity in surgical technologist roles can be influenced by a range of factors including specialty skills, such as proficiency in robotic surgery, and the ability to handle higher-stress environments like trauma centers. To maximize income, aspiring professionals might seek additional certifications or experience in high-demand areas, maintaining affiliation with organizations like the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) to stay informed about industry trends while enhancing their career prospects in the diverse Helena job market.
More salary data for Helena, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do surgical technologists make in Helena, MT in 2026?
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Can surgical technologists make $100K in Helena?
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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 $62,910 for surgical technologistsin the Helena 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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