Surgical Technologist Salary in Ithaca, NY: $81,959 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Ithaca, NY earns a median $81,959/year (≈ $39.40/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Ithaca's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.3), that paycheck buys what $79,328 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 11.5% above the New York state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Surgical technologists in Ithaca, New York, can anticipate a compelling median annual salary of $81,959 in 2026, reflecting the area's significant demand for skilled professionals in this field. The salary range for surgical technologists in Ithaca varies widely, with entry-level positions starting around $61,237 and experienced roles reaching up to $94,944. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, projected to 2026, highlighting Ithaca's competitive standing compared to the national median salary of $68,141. Specialties such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery can further elevate one's earning potential, making it an attractive career path for graduates of CAAHEP-accredited programs.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,237 | $29.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $80,599 | $38.75 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,959 | $39.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82,929 | $39.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94,944 | $45.65 |
Median Salary Position
20.28% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ithaca
In Ithaca, NY, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,707 (2026 est.). At $81,959, the local median is 20.28% above the national median of $68,141.
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At 40 hours/week in Ithaca: You'd be above the median
How Ithaca Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Ithaca median: $81,959/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ithaca Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $73,506 | +11.50% more |
| National Average | $68,141 | +20.28% more |
Surgical Technologists in Ithaca, NY earn a median of $81,959 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.28% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 11.50% above the New York state average of $73,506.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ithaca has a cost of living 3.32% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ithaca, NY has a cost-of-living index of 103.317 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $81,959 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $79,328 — a 3.21% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,094
2025 BLS Actual
$77,760
2026 Current Est.
$81,959
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Ithaca (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,094 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,790 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,371 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,308 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,901 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,088 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,760 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,959 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,385 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ithaca metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $58,094 (2019) to $77,760 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $86,385 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,291 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ithaca 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) | $61,237 – $80,599 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $80,599 – $81,959 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,959 – $82,929 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $82,929 – $94,944 |
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 Ithaca
Those considering a career as a surgical technologist in Ithaca will find a local job market with approximately 30 professionals employed in the area, demonstrating a healthy demand for their services. With a cost-of-living index of 103.317, which is slightly above the national average, it is crucial for surgical technologists to maximize their take-home pay to maintain their purchasing power. The highest-paying employers tend to be hospital operating rooms, specialty surgical centers focused on fields like orthopedic and cardiac procedures, and travel surgical tech agencies, which often offer competitive salaries. The disparity in pay can be attributed to various factors, including specialization, call coverage, and additional certifications, such as robotic surgery training. To enhance earning potential in this market, it is advisable for surgical technologists to pursue certifications that position them for higher-paying roles and to seek opportunities in high-demand specialties.
More salary data for Ithaca, NY:
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 $77,760 for surgical technologistsin the Ithaca 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