Surgical Technologist Salary in Pawtucket, RI: $68,407 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Pawtucket, RI earns a median $68,407/year (≈ $32.88/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Pawtucket's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $68,067 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Strong opportunities exist for surgical technologists in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, where the projected median annual salary for 2026 is $68,407, reflecting a slight increase over national figures. Local surgical technologists can expect to earn between $47,107 and $105,632 annually, depending on various factors, including experience and specialization. These estimates stem from BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments, highlighting Pawtucket's competitive position amidst a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical centers. With a focus on specialized surgical services, there's a robust demand for surgical technologists who can navigate these environments effectively.
About the Pawtucket Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,107 | $22.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,230 | $27.04 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,407 | $32.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83,914 | $40.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105,632 | $50.78 |
Median Salary Position
0.39% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pawtucket
In Pawtucket, RI, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,525 (2026 est.). At $68,407, the local median is 0.39% above the national median of $68,141.
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At 40 hours/week in Pawtucket: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pawtucket Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Pawtucket median: $68,407/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pawtucket Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $68,475 | -0.10% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | +0.39% more |
Surgical Technologists in Pawtucket, RI earn a median of $68,407 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.39% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 0.10% below the Rhode Island state average of $68,475.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pawtucket has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pawtucket, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $68,407 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $68,067 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,488
2025 BLS Actual
$64,902
2026 Current Est.
$68,407
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Pawtucket (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,488 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,904 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,719 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,178 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,846 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,226 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,902 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,407 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,101 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pawtucket metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $48,488 (2019) to $64,902 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,101 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,613 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pawtucket 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) | $47,107 – $56,230 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,230 – $68,407 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,407 – $83,914 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $83,914 – $105,632 |
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 Pawtucket
In Pawtucket, the local job market currently employs 16 surgical technologists, and the area's cost-of-living index stands slightly above the national average at 100.5, which impacts overall purchasing power. Notably, surgical technologists working in hospitals tend to command higher salaries compared to those in ambulatory or specialty surgical centers. The disparity in pay is often driven by the complexity of procedures, such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery, as well as additional responsibilities that include call coverage and specialized certifications like robotic surgery qualifications. For those seeking to maximize their surgical technologist pay in Pawtucket, acquiring advanced certifications, taking on surgical first assistant roles, and considering travel surgical tech opportunities can significantly enhance earning potential. By understanding the dynamics of the local market, surgical technologists can better position themselves for lucrative positions within this growing sector.
More salary data for Pawtucket, 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 $64,902 for surgical technologistsin the Pawtucket 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 Pawtucket 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