Surgical Technologist Salary in Charlottesville, VA: $67,402 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Charlottesville, VA earns a median $67,402/year (≈ $32.40/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Charlottesville's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $65,312 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.2% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Charlottesville, Virginia, surgical technologists can expect to earn a median annual salary of $67,402 in 2026. This compensation positions the city slightly below the national median of $68,141, reflecting local salary estimates derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional cost variations. The salary range for this role in the area extends from $51,089 at the lower end (P10) to $98,229 at the higher end (P90). Notably, those specializing in cardiovascular and neurosurgery earn premium pay compared to other specialties, setting a standard that emphasizes the value of targeted skills in the local healthcare market and the increasing demand for surgical technologists in specialized surgical settings.
About the Charlottesville Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,089 | $24.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,646 | $28.19 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $67,402 | $32.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82,299 | $39.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98,229 | $47.23 |
Median Salary Position
1.08% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Charlottesville
In Charlottesville, VA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,140 (2026 est.). At $67,402, the local median is 1.08% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Charlottesville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Charlottesville Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Charlottesville median: $67,402/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Charlottesville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $70,357 | -4.20% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -1.08% less |
Surgical Technologists in Charlottesville, VA earn a median of $67,402 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.08% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 4.20% below the Virginia state average of $70,357.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Charlottesville has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Charlottesville, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $67,402 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $65,312 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,590
2025 BLS Actual
$63,949
2026 Current Est.
$67,402
2019–2027 Growth
+46.2%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Charlottesville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,590 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,010 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,004 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,600 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,880 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,390 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,949 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,402 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,042 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Charlottesville metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 31.6% from $48,590 (2019) to $63,949 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,042 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,452 (46.21%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Charlottesville 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) | $51,089 – $58,646 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,646 – $67,402 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $67,402 – $82,299 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $82,299 – $98,229 |
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 Charlottesville
As of 2026, there are currently 10 surgical technologists employed in Charlottesville, highlighting a modest job market for this profession. The cost of living index in the area is 103.2, which means that while salaries are competitive, the purchasing power may be impacted by local living expenses. Among local employers, hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers tend to provide the most attractive compensation packages; however, surgical technologists in advanced specialties, like those involving robotic surgery certification or working as surgical first assistants, may see an increase in hourly rates. The variation in pay can also be influenced by factors such as call coverage and the local designation of trauma centers. To maximize earning potential in this specific Charlottesville market, surgical technologists should pursue certifications related to their specialty and consider opportunities in travel surgical tech roles, which often offer higher pay rates.
More salary data for Charlottesville, VA:
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 $63,949 for surgical technologistsin the Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville 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