Surgical Technologist Salary in Bethlehem, PA: $67,209 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Bethlehem, PA earns a median $67,209/year (≈ $32.32/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Bethlehem's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.4), that paycheck buys what $69,003 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.3% above the Pennsylvania state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, surgical technologists in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, can expect a median salary of $67,209, which positions them slightly below the national average of $68,141. The salary range spans from $47,660 at the lower end (P10) to $99,127 at the higher end (P90), illustrating the diversity of compensation influenced by experience, specialty, and certification. Local projections derive from comprehensive state-level data adjusted for regional price differences. The growth trajectory in surgical technology suggests a thriving job market, enhanced by the demand for technologists skilled in the latest surgical techniques, notably those involving robotic surgery certification, which continues to gain traction in the medical field around Bethlehem.
About the Bethlehem Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,660 | $22.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,484 | $27.15 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $67,209 | $32.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82,213 | $39.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99,127 | $47.66 |
Median Salary Position
1.37% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bethlehem
In Bethlehem, PA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,467 (2026 est.). At $67,209, the local median is 1.37% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bethlehem: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bethlehem Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Bethlehem median: $67,209/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bethlehem Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Average | $65,698 | +2.30% more |
| National Average | $68,141 | -1.37% less |
Surgical Technologists in Bethlehem, PA earn a median of $67,209 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.37% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 2.30% above the Pennsylvania state average of $65,698.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bethlehem has a cost of living 2.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bethlehem, PA has a cost-of-living index of 97.4 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $67,209 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $69,003 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.67% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,640
2025 BLS Actual
$63,766
2026 Current Est.
$67,209
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Bethlehem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,640 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,030 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,866 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,195 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,781 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,314 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,766 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,209 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,839 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bethlehem metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.8% from $47,640 (2019) to $63,766 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,839 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,199 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bethlehem 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) | $47,660 – $56,484 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,484 – $67,209 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $67,209 – $82,213 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $82,213 – $99,127 |
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 Bethlehem
The local job market for surgical technologists in Bethlehem currently employs 14 individuals, reflecting a specialized demand in a community with a cost-of-living index of 97.4, slightly below the national average. This means that while surgical technologist pay in Bethlehem PA remains competitive, the purchasing power for residents could offer unique advantages. Hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers tend to be the top employers, with higher salaries often found in specialty settings like orthopedic and cardiothoracic surgery due to specific skill requirements and responsibilities. The variability in pay can also be affected by factors such as on-call coverage and certifications, as those who acquire robotic surgery credentials may receive premium pay. To maximize earning potential in Bethlehem, focusing on advanced specialties, pursuing certifications, and considering travel surgical tech opportunities could provide advantageous pathways for career advancement.
More salary data for Bethlehem, PA:
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 $63,766 for surgical technologistsin the Bethlehem 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 Bethlehem 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