Surgical Technologist Salary in Dale City, VA: $68,446 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Dale City, VA earns a median $68,446/year (≈ $32.91/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Dale City's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $66,324 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.7% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, surgical technologists in Dale City, Virginia, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $68,446, which is slightly above the national median of $68,141. The salary landscape showcases a wide range, with an annual income varying from $49,711 at the 10th percentile to $101,980 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost variations, reflect not just the hourly median of $32.91, but also potential earnings influenced by specialty areas. Particularly, those specializing in cardiovascular and neurosurgery can expect a significant premium, elevating their compensation prospects within the local job market. The training provided by CAAHEP-accredited programs and the pursuit of CST certification further enhance earning potential, reflecting the increasing recognition of skillsets in advanced surgical technologies.
About the Dale City Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,711 | $23.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,259 | $28.00 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,446 | $32.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85,999 | $41.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101,980 | $49.03 |
Median Salary Position
0.45% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dale City
In Dale City, VA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,269 (2026 est.). At $68,446, the local median is 0.45% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Dale City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Dale City Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Dale City median: $68,446/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dale City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $70,345 | -2.70% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | +0.45% more |
Surgical Technologists in Dale City, VA earn a median of $68,446 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.45% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 2.70% below the Virginia state average of $70,345.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dale City has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Dale City, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $68,446 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $66,324 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,516
2025 BLS Actual
$64,939
2026 Current Est.
$68,446
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Dale City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,516 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,932 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,747 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,210 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,881 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,251 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,939 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,446 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,142 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dale City metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $48,516 (2019) to $64,939 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,142 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,626 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dale City 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) | $49,711 – $58,259 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,259 – $68,446 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,446 – $85,999 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $85,999 – $101,980 |
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 Dale City
The job market for surgical technologists in Dale City remains robust, with around 12 professionals currently employed in the field. However, potential earnings should be viewed through the lens of the local cost of living, indexed at 103.2, which is slightly above the national average. This cost reality necessitates a larger focus on maximizing take-home pays, such as seeking employment with specialty surgical centers in orthopedics, ophthalmology, and cardiothoracic surgery, where compensation tends to be higher. The variance in wages can often be attributed to the complexity and urgency of cases handled, call coverage responsibilities, and the certification premiums associated with robotic surgery roles and trauma center engagements. For those looking to enhance their surgical technologist pay in Dale City, pursuing additional certifications and aligning with top-paying employers, including travel surgical tech agencies, can prove beneficial for upward mobility in this dynamic market.
More salary data for Dale City, 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 $64,939 for surgical technologistsin the Dale City 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 Dale City 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