Surgical Technologist Salary in Montclair, NJ: $77,724 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Montclair, NJ earns a median $77,724/year (≈ $37.36/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Montclair's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $67,469 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Montclair, New Jersey, the landscape for surgical technologist salaries reflects a competitive market, with a median annual compensation projected at $77,724 for 2026. The salary range spans from $56,359 at the lower end (P10) to $110,653 at the upper tier (P90), indicating significant earning potential based on experience and specialization. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data with regional cost adjustments, showcase an attractive opportunity for those entering the field. In a local environment where robotic surgery certification is becoming increasingly prevalent, surgical technologists are likely to see compensation boost as the demand for advanced skills persists. This trend not only enhances personal income but also elevates the overall appeal of surgical technology careers in Montclair.
About the Montclair Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,359 | $27.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $68,990 | $33.17 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $77,724 | $37.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $93,307 | $44.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $110,653 | $53.20 |
Median Salary Position
14.06% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Montclair
In Montclair, NJ, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $54,294 (2026 est.). At $77,724, the local median is 14.06% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Montclair: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Montclair Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Montclair median: $77,724/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Montclair Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $78,509 | -1.00% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | +14.06% more |
Surgical Technologists in Montclair, NJ earn a median of $77,724 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.06% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 1.00% below the New Jersey state average of $78,509.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Montclair has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Montclair, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $77,724 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $67,469 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,093
2025 BLS Actual
$73,742
2026 Current Est.
$77,724
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Montclair (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,093 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,701 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,355 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,830 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,134 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,720 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,742 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,724 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,921 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Montclair metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $55,093 (2019) to $73,742 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $81,921 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,828 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Montclair 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) | $56,359 – $68,990 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $68,990 – $77,724 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $77,724 – $93,307 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $93,307 – $110,653 |
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 Montclair
Looking at the local job market, Montclair has around 10 surgical technologists currently employed, presenting a tight-knit community where opportunities may arise through networking. The cost of living index stands at 115.2, suggesting that while salaries are robust, the housing and living expenses may also impact take-home purchasing power. Ambulatory surgery centers and specialized surgical units are typically among the highest-paying employers in the area, especially for roles that require advanced certifications like cardiovascular or neurosurgery specialties. Key factors such as call coverage requirements, robotic surgery stipends, and the designation of trauma centers further contribute to the disparities in earnings within this profession. To maximize their pay, surgical technologists in Montclair should consider obtaining certifications in high-demand specialties, seeking positions in higher-paying facilities, and pursuing roles with greater responsibilities, such as surgical first assistants.
More salary data for Montclair, NJ:
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 $73,742 for surgical technologistsin the Montclair 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 Montclair 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