Surgical Technologist Salary in Sterling, VA: $67,473 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Sterling, VA earns a median $67,473/year (≈ $32.44/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Sterling's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $65,381 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.1% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the salary projection for surgical technologists in Sterling, Virginia, stands at $67,473 annually, slightly below the national median of $68,141. With a salary range extending from $50,974 at the 10th percentile to $98,468 at the 90th percentile, these figures reflect local estimates based on 2025 BLS data. This market has specific dynamics, particularly for those specializing in cardiovascular and neurosurgery, as these roles often command an additional pay premium due to their complexity and the rigorous demands of these subspecialties. Consequently, surgical technologists focusing on these areas can significantly enhance their earning potential compared to their counterparts in more general surgical roles, illustrating the robust nature of the Sterling job market.
About the Sterling Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,974 | $24.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,293 | $27.54 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $67,473 | $32.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82,468 | $39.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98,468 | $47.34 |
Median Salary Position
0.98% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sterling
In Sterling, VA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,494 (2026 est.). At $67,473, the local median is 0.98% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Sterling: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Sterling Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Sterling median: $67,473/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sterling Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $70,358 | -4.10% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -0.98% less |
Surgical Technologists in Sterling, VA earn a median of $67,473 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.98% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 4.10% below the Virginia state average of $70,358.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sterling has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Sterling, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $67,473 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $65,381 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,826
2025 BLS Actual
$64,016
2026 Current Est.
$67,473
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Sterling (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,826 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,223 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,054 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,411 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,016 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,451 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,016 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,473 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,116 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sterling metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $47,826 (2019) to $64,016 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,116 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,290 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sterling 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) | $50,974 – $57,293 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,293 – $67,473 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $67,473 – $82,468 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $82,468 – $98,468 |
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 Sterling
With only seven surgical technologists currently employed in Sterling, job competition can be relatively limited. The cost of living index here is 103.2, indicating higher-than-average expenses, which impacts take-home pay and affordability. Surgical technologists seeking to maximize their earnings may want to consider positions within hospital operating rooms or specialty surgical centers, where reimbursement rates tend to be elevated. Adding certifications in robotic surgery or pursuing roles as surgical first assistants can also contribute to salary increases. Furthermore, technologists who are willing to take on call coverage or engage in travel assignments often find higher pay opportunities, as these roles typically offer additional premiums. Establishing connections with local employers and staying abreast of technological advancements in the field can also play a significant role in bolstering one's surgical technologist pay in Sterling, VA.
More salary data for Sterling, 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 $64,016 for surgical technologistsin the Sterling 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 Sterling 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