Surgical Technologist Salary in State College, PA: $62,627 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in State College, PA earns a median $62,627/year (≈ $30.11/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in State College's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.4), that paycheck buys what $64,299 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.6% below the Pennsylvania state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, surgical technologists in State College, Pennsylvania can expect a median annual salary of $62,627, which reflects a competitive position compared to the national median of $68,141 for the same year. Salaries for this occupation in the area will range from $46,948 at the 10th percentile to as high as $92,872 at the 90th percentile, indicating a range of opportunities shaped by the local healthcare infrastructure. With healthcare services primarily provided by hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical centers, the salary structures vary depending on the type of facility. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for job seekers assessing their potential earnings in State College's healthcare market.
About the State College Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,948 | $22.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,106 | $26.01 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,627 | $30.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,445 | $37.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92,872 | $44.65 |
Median Salary Position
8.09% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in State College
In State College, PA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,924 (2026 est.). At $62,627, the local median is 8.09% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in State College: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How State College Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
State College median: $62,627/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | State College Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Average | $65,646 | -4.60% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -8.09% less |
Surgical Technologists in State College, PA earn a median of $62,627 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.09% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 4.60% below the Pennsylvania state average of $65,646.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
State College 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.
State College, PA has a cost-of-living index of 97.4 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $62,627 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $64,299 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.67% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$43,110
2025 BLS Actual
$59,418
2026 Current Est.
$62,627
2019–2027 Growth
+53.1%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in State College (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,110 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,687 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,603 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,431 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,705 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,012 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,418 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,627 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,008 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the State College metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 37.8% from $43,110 (2019) to $59,418 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,008 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,898 (53.12%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the State College 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) | $46,948 – $54,106 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,106 – $62,627 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,627 – $77,445 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,445 – $92,872 |
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 State College
Despite only employing nine surgical technologists, the local job market in State College remains vibrant, with a cost of living index of 97.4, which is lower than the national average. This means that although salaries may trail the national figure by about 8.09%, the purchasing power may not be significantly compromised. Institutions such as leading hospitals typically offer the highest pay within specialty surgical centers, particularly for certifications in robotic surgeries or for roles that demand extensive expertise, such as working in trauma centers. The variability in pay can also be influenced by the demand for highly specialized skills in particular surgery types like cardiovascular and neurosurgery. To maximize earnings in this unique market, candidates are encouraged to pursue advanced certifications, consider travel surgical technologist opportunities, and develop a robust skill set that caters to high-paying specialties.
More salary data for State College, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do surgical technologists make in State College, PA in 2026?
Is State College, PA a good place to work as a surgical technologist?
Can surgical technologists make $100K in State College?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted surgical technologist salary in State College?
How much does a surgical technologist make per hour in State College?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Pennsylvania
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 $59,418 for surgical technologistsin the State College 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 State College 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