Surgical Technologist Salary in Cleveland Heights, OH: $62,141 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Cleveland Heights, OH earns a median $62,141/year (≈ $29.87/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Cleveland Heights's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $68,513 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cleveland Heights, Ohio, the surgical technologist salary stands at a projected $62,141 for 2026, which reflects the evolving landscape of surgical technology and certifications, particularly in robotic surgery. This figure indicates a substantial commitment to the profession, with salary ranges predominantly between $46,092 at the lowest and reaching up to $89,374 for the highest earners. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local economic conditions, highlight a competitive market but also reveal a disparity compared to the national median of $68,141. As healthcare facilities in the area increasingly adopt advanced technologies, surgical technologists with certifications such as the CST or training in robotic surgeries may find enhanced salary opportunities and job security.
About the Cleveland Heights Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,092 | $22.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,323 | $25.63 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,141 | $29.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75,152 | $36.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89,374 | $42.97 |
Median Salary Position
8.81% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cleveland Heights
In Cleveland Heights, OH, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,282 (2026 est.). At $62,141, the local median is 8.81% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cleveland Heights: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cleveland Heights Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Cleveland Heights median: $62,141/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cleveland Heights Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $65,480 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -8.81% less |
Surgical Technologists in Cleveland Heights, OH earn a median of $62,141 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.81% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 5.10% below the Ohio state average of $65,480.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cleveland Heights has a cost of living 9.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cleveland Heights, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $62,141 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $68,513 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,047
2025 BLS Actual
$58,957
2026 Current Est.
$62,141
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Cleveland Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,047 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,333 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,257 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,032 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,273 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,477 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,957 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,141 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,496 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cleveland Heights metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $44,047 (2019) to $58,957 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,496 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,449 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cleveland Heights 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) | $46,092 – $53,323 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,323 – $62,141 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,141 – $75,152 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $75,152 – $89,374 |
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 Cleveland Heights
Cleveland Heights employs a modest number of surgical technologists, with only nine currently working in the area. The local cost of living index of 90.7 suggests that take-home pay will stretch further in this community compared to national averages. Surgical technologists in Cleveland Heights might find better compensation opportunities in major employers such as hospital operating rooms, specialty surgical centers, or travel surgical tech agencies, particularly as these settings may offer higher salaries for specialized roles. The salary potential can be influenced by several factors, including area of specialty—those working in cardiovascular or neurosurgery generally earn more—and additional certifications that come with stipends. For surgical technologists seeking to maximize their earnings in Cleveland Heights, pursuing robotic surgery certification, taking on roles with surgical first assistant responsibilities, or seeking employment at trauma centers could significantly enhance their pay prospects.
More salary data for Cleveland Heights, OH:
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 $58,957 for surgical technologistsin the Cleveland Heights 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 Cleveland Heights 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