Surgical Technologist Salary in Westerly, RI: $63,953 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Westerly, RI earns a median $63,953/year (≈ $30.75/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Westerly's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $63,635 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.6% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

As of 2026, surgical technologists in Westerly, Rhode Island, can expect a median annual salary of $63,953, which reflects a slightly lower figure compared to the national median of $68,141. The salary range for this profession varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $50,535 and experienced professionals making as much as $90,770. These figures come from local estimates based on BLS state-level data and consider regional cost adjustments. One notable trend affecting compensation is an increasing recognition of robotic surgery certifications, a factor that can enhance earnings potential for surgical technologists in record time.
About the Westerly Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,535 | $24.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,949 | $27.38 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,953 | $30.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,930 | $36.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90,770 | $43.64 |
Median Salary Position
6.15% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Westerly
In Westerly, RI, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,235 (2026 est.). At $63,953, the local median is 6.15% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Westerly: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Westerly Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Westerly median: $63,953/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Westerly Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $68,472 | -6.60% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -6.15% less |
Surgical Technologists in Westerly, RI earn a median of $63,953 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.15% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 6.60% below the Rhode Island state average of $68,472.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Westerly has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Westerly, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $63,953 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $63,635 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,331
2025 BLS Actual
$60,676
2026 Current Est.
$63,953
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Westerly (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,331 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,654 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,547 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,520 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,884 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,435 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,676 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,953 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,406 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Westerly metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $45,331 (2019) to $60,676 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,406 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,075 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Westerly 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) | $50,535 – $56,949 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,949 – $63,953 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,953 – $74,930 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,930 – $90,770 |
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 Westerly
Westerly currently employs only five surgical technologists, which indicates a specialized local market. With a cost-of-living index of 100.5, residents face a slightly higher cost than the national average, potentially impacting take-home pay. Typically, operating rooms in hospitals and specialty surgical centers—such as those focused on orthopedic or ophthalmologic procedures—tend to offer the most competitive pay for surgical technologists. The earnings span is significantly influenced by specialty areas, with cardiovascular and neurosurgical certifications leading to higher premiums. Additionally, those who secure positions as first assistants or take on travel assignments can see further financial benefits. For individuals looking to maximize their surgical technologist pay in Westerly, pursuing certifications in robotic surgery and seeking roles in higher-paying specialization areas is advisable.
More salary data for Westerly, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can surgical technologists make $100K in Westerly?
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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 $60,676 for surgical technologistsin the Westerly 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 Westerly 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