Surgical Technologist Salary in Chesapeake, VA: $69,168 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Chesapeake, VA earns a median $69,168/year (≈ $33.25/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Chesapeake's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $67,023 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chesapeake, Virginia, the surgical technologist salary is projected to reach $69,168 in 2026, slightly above the national median of $68,141. This competitive compensation reflects the growing demand for skilled professionals in the medical field, especially with the increasing trend in robotic surgery certifications, which can significantly boost earnings. The local salary range stretches from $44,825 at the 10th percentile to $107,210 at the 90th percentile, presenting a variety of opportunities for qualified candidates. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost variations, suggest a promising job market for surgical technologists, particularly as Chesapeake's healthcare facilities expand their service offerings.
About the Chesapeake Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,825 | $21.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59,120 | $28.43 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $69,168 | $33.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88,535 | $42.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107,210 | $51.54 |
Median Salary Position
1.51% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chesapeake
In Chesapeake, VA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $62,385 (2026 est.). At $69,168, the local median is 1.51% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chesapeake: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chesapeake Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Chesapeake median: $69,168/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chesapeake Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $70,292 | -1.60% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | +1.51% more |
Surgical Technologists in Chesapeake, VA earn a median of $69,168 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.51% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 1.60% below the Virginia state average of $70,292.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chesapeake has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chesapeake, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $69,168 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $67,023 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,028
2025 BLS Actual
$65,624
2026 Current Est.
$69,168
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Chesapeake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,028 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,459 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,261 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,803 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,523 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,757 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,624 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,168 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,903 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chesapeake metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $49,028 (2019) to $65,624 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,903 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,875 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chesapeake 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) | $44,825 – $59,120 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $59,120 – $69,168 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $69,168 – $88,535 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $88,535 – $107,210 |
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 Chesapeake
With 63 surgical technologists employed in Chesapeake, the job market for this role showcases a solid demand for qualified professionals. The area's cost of living index of 103.2 indicates that while expenses may be somewhat higher than the national average, the salaries offered can still provide a favorable standard of living. Employers such as hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers generally offer the highest rates of pay. Factors influencing the compensation spectrum include specialization, with cardiovascular and neuro surgical technologists commanding the highest pay, as well as call coverage, additional stipends for robotic surgery certifications, and potential premiums for surgical first assistant roles. To maximize earnings, professionals should consider seeking certifications in high-demand specialties and actively pursue roles in facilities known for offering competitive salaries and benefits.
More salary data for Chesapeake, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can surgical technologists make $100K in Chesapeake?
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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 $65,624 for surgical technologistsin the Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake 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