Surgical Technologist Salary in Princeton, NJ: $75,903 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Princeton, NJ earns a median $75,903/year (≈ $36.49/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Princeton's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $65,888 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In the thriving medical landscape of Princeton, New Jersey, surgical technologists are projected to earn a median annual salary of $75,903 in 2026, representing a notable increase compared to the national median of $68,141. This competitive wage indicates a robust demand for skilled technicians, particularly as advancements in surgical techniques, such as robotic surgery, become more prevalent. The salary range for surgical technologists in Princeton extends from $55,249 at the 10th percentile to $107,742 at the 90th percentile, suggesting that specialization and experience can significantly impact earning potential. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional factors, highlighting the specific financial opportunities available in this area as the healthcare sector continues to evolve.
About the Princeton Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,249 | $26.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64,355 | $30.93 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $75,903 | $36.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91,157 | $43.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107,742 | $51.80 |
Median Salary Position
11.39% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Princeton
In Princeton, NJ, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,493 (2026 est.). At $75,903, the local median is 11.39% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Princeton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Princeton Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Princeton median: $75,903/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Princeton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $78,493 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | +11.39% more |
Surgical Technologists in Princeton, NJ earn a median of $75,903 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.39% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 3.30% below the New Jersey state average of $78,493.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Princeton has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Princeton, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $75,903 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $65,888 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,802
2025 BLS Actual
$72,014
2026 Current Est.
$75,903
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Princeton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,802 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,372 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,058 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,334 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,514 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,659 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,014 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,903 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,002 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Princeton metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $53,802 (2019) to $72,014 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,002 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,200 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Princeton 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) | $55,249 – $64,355 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $64,355 – $75,903 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $75,903 – $91,157 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $91,157 – $107,742 |
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 Princeton
In Princeton, only six surgical technologists are currently employed, yet the specialized nature of their work positions them favorably in a market characterized by a cost of living index of 115.2, indicating that expenses may be higher than the national average. Hospitals and specialty surgical centers, particularly those focused on areas like cardiothoracic and orthopedic surgeries, tend to offer the most lucrative positions. Various factors contribute to the pay disparity among surgical technologists, including demand for specialties like cardiovascular and neurosurgery, additional pay for robotic surgery certification, and the increasingly sought-after role of surgical first assistants. To maximize earning potential in Princeton, aspiring surgical technologists should consider pursuing relevant CAAHEP-accredited training, securing CST certification through the NBSTSA, and gaining experience in high-paying specialties that command premium compensation.
More salary data for Princeton, 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 $72,014 for surgical technologistsin the Princeton 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 Princeton 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