Surgical Technologist Salary in Johnston, RI: $66,223 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Johnston, RI earns a median $66,223/year (≈ $31.84/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Johnston's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $65,894 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Surgical technologists in Johnston, Rhode Island, can expect a median annual salary of $66,223 in 2026, which reflects a slight decrease of 2.81% compared to the national median of $68,141. The salary range varies significantly, with the lower 10% earning around $51,157 and the top 90% earning up to $97,476. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, incorporating regional pricing factors. The increasing trend toward robotic surgery certification is influencing compensation, as facilities recognize the value of specialized skills in the operating room. In Johnston’s market, there’s a growing emphasis on advanced surgical techniques, which positions surgical technologists favorably for better pay as they enhance their qualifications with current industry standards.
About the Johnston Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,157 | $24.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,858 | $27.34 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,223 | $31.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81,648 | $39.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97,476 | $46.86 |
Median Salary Position
2.81% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Johnston
In Johnston, RI, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,319 (2026 est.). At $66,223, the local median is 2.81% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Johnston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Johnston Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Johnston median: $66,223/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Johnston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $68,483 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -2.81% less |
Surgical Technologists in Johnston, RI earn a median of $66,223 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.81% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 3.30% below the Rhode Island state average of $68,483.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Johnston has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Johnston, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $66,223 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $65,894 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,940
2025 BLS Actual
$62,830
2026 Current Est.
$66,223
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Johnston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,940 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,311 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,164 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,385 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,904 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,367 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,830 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,223 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,799 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Johnston metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $46,940 (2019) to $62,830 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,799 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,859 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Johnston 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) | $51,157 – $56,858 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,858 – $66,223 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,223 – $81,648 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $81,648 – $97,476 |
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 Johnston
With only eight surgical technologists currently employed in Johnston, the local job market remains relatively small but stable. This situation, coupled with a cost-of-living index of 100.5, indicates that salaries, although competitive, need to be assessed against the local economic backdrop. Employers such as hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers offer varying pay scales, with advanced specialties like cardiovascular and neurosurgery typically commanding higher wages. Factors contributing to the pay disparity include the complexity of procedures, call coverage requirements, and certifications in robotic surgery or as a surgical first assistant. To maximize earnings within Johnston's market, aspiring surgical technologists should focus on attaining specialty skills and certifications while considering opportunities with travel surgical tech agencies, where pay rates can significantly exceed typical income levels.
More salary data for Johnston, RI:
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 $62,830 for surgical technologistsin the Johnston 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 Johnston 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