Surgical Technologist Salary in Staunton, VA: $67,423 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Staunton, VA earns a median $67,423/year (≈ $32.41/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Staunton's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $65,332 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.1% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, surgical technologists in Staunton, Virginia, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $67,423, which is slightly below the national median of $68,141. The local salary range spans from $51,141 at the 10th percentile to $98,134 at the 90th percentile, indicating the potential for considerable earnings based on experience and specialization. These figures are informed by 2025 BLS data and take into account regional price adjustments. Notably, those focusing on cardiovascular and neurosurgery specialties often see premium pay compared to their peers in general surgery, reflecting the higher skill requirements and complexities involved.
About the Staunton Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,141 | $24.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,690 | $28.22 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $67,423 | $32.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82,452 | $39.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98,134 | $47.18 |
Median Salary Position
1.05% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Staunton
In Staunton, VA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,993 (2026 est.). At $67,423, the local median is 1.05% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Staunton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Staunton Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Staunton median: $67,423/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Staunton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $70,306 | -4.10% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -1.05% less |
Surgical Technologists in Staunton, VA earn a median of $67,423 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.05% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 4.10% below the Virginia state average of $70,306.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Staunton has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Staunton, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $67,423 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $65,332 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,791
2025 BLS Actual
$63,969
2026 Current Est.
$67,423
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Staunton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,791 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,186 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,019 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,371 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,972 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,410 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,969 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,423 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,064 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Staunton metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $47,791 (2019) to $63,969 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,064 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,273 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Staunton 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) | $51,141 – $58,690 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,690 – $67,423 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $67,423 – $82,452 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $82,452 – $98,134 |
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 Staunton
With only five surgical technologists currently employed in Staunton, the local job market remains tight, contributing to competitive compensation. The cost of living index in Staunton at 103.2 suggests that while salaries are relatively competitive, the slightly elevated living costs can affect overall purchasing power. Employers in hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers, particularly in cardiovascular and orthopedic fields, typically offer the highest pay. Factors driving the wage disparity include specialty training, call coverage, and additional certifications such as robotic surgery training. Those in trauma centers are particularly well-compensated. For surgical technologists in Staunton looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing specialty certifications and seeking positions in high-demand areas can significantly enhance salary prospects.
More salary data for Staunton, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can surgical technologists make $100K in Staunton?
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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 $63,969 for surgical technologistsin the Staunton 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 Staunton 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