Surgical Technologist Salary in Portsmouth, VA: $68,045 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Portsmouth, VA earns a median $68,045/year (≈ $32.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Portsmouth's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $65,935 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, surgical technologists in Portsmouth, Virginia, can expect a median annual salary of $68,045, which is closely aligned with the national median of $68,141. The compensation for this role ranges significantly, from $48,793 at the 10th percentile to $100,556 for those at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from local estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors. Such a competitive salary landscape reflects a robust market for surgical technologists in Portsmouth, especially as the demand for specialized skills like robotic surgery certification begins to shape compensation packages.
About the Portsmouth Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,793 | $23.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,435 | $27.61 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,045 | $32.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83,511 | $40.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100,556 | $48.35 |
Median Salary Position
0.14% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Portsmouth
In Portsmouth, VA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,763 (2026 est.). At $68,045, the local median is 0.14% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Portsmouth: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Portsmouth Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Portsmouth median: $68,045/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Portsmouth Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $70,295 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -0.14% less |
Surgical Technologists in Portsmouth, VA earn a median of $68,045 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.14% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 3.20% below the Virginia state average of $70,295.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Portsmouth has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Portsmouth, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $68,045 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $65,935 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,232
2025 BLS Actual
$64,559
2026 Current Est.
$68,045
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Portsmouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,232 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,640 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,462 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,881 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,525 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,921 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,559 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,045 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,720 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Portsmouth metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $48,232 (2019) to $64,559 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,720 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,488 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Portsmouth 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) | $48,793 – $57,435 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,435 – $68,045 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,045 – $83,511 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $83,511 – $100,556 |
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 Portsmouth
The local job market for surgical technologists is relatively small, employing only 17 professionals in Portsmouth. However, the cost of living index stands at 103.2, indicating that living expenses are somewhat higher than the national average. This reality affects take-home pay and purchasing power. Among local employers, hospital operating rooms typically offer the most lucrative positions, followed closely by ambulatory surgery centers and specialty surgical clinics. The variation in salaries can be attributed to several factors, including specialization in high-demand fields like cardiovascular or neurosurgery, which tend to command higher pay. Additionally, engaging in call coverage, pursuing certifications in robotic surgery, and transitioning into roles such as surgical first assistant can yield significant increases in salary. For those looking to maximize their surgical technologist pay in Portsmouth, establishing a specialization and pursuing advanced certifications will be key strategies for career advancement.
More salary data for Portsmouth, 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 $64,559 for surgical technologistsin the Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth 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