Surgical Technologist Salary in Lakewood, WA: $76,559 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Lakewood, WA earns a median $76,559/year (≈ $36.81/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Lakewood's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $71,284 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The 2026 median annual salary for surgical technologists in Lakewood, Washington, is projected at $76,559, which reflects a notable increase compared to the national median of $68,141. The local salary range spans from $51,379 at the 10th percentile to $116,543 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse earning potential within the field. This compensation structure has been influenced by factors such as the increasing demand for surgical technologists with robotic surgery certifications, which has become a significant asset in enhancing their marketability and pay. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price parities, illustrate a compelling opportunity for those pursuing careers in surgical technology in Lakewood, particularly as the field continues to evolve in complexity and specialty.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,379 | $24.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,518 | $31.98 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $76,559 | $36.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $95,827 | $46.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $116,543 | $56.03 |
Median Salary Position
12.35% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lakewood
In Lakewood, WA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $65,164 (2026 est.). At $76,559, the local median is 12.35% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lakewood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lakewood Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Lakewood median: $76,559/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lakewood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $77,489 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | +12.35% more |
Surgical Technologists in Lakewood, WA earn a median of $76,559 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.35% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 1.20% below the Washington state average of $77,489.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lakewood has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lakewood, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $76,559 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $71,284 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,267
2025 BLS Actual
$72,637
2026 Current Est.
$76,559
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,267 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,851 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,526 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,873 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,098 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,405 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,637 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,559 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,694 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lakewood metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $54,267 (2019) to $72,637 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,694 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,427 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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) | $51,379 – $66,518 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,518 – $76,559 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $76,559 – $95,827 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $95,827 – $116,543 |
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 Lakewood
With only 14 surgical technologists currently employed in Lakewood, the local job market demonstrates both opportunity and competition. The cost-of-living index in Lakewood stands at 107.4, slightly above the national average, which affects take-home salaries and overall purchasing power. Employers in hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers—such as orthopedic and cardiothoracic facilities—tend to offer the highest wages, with unique pay premiums for specialized roles, call coverage, and certifications in robotic surgery. Variations in surgical technologist pay in Lakewood are driven by factors including the complexity of the surgical procedures undertaken and the presence of trauma centers. To maximize their earnings, surgical technologists in Lakewood should consider pursuing further specialization, obtaining certifications like the CST or CSFA, and seeking employment opportunities with travel surgical tech agencies, which often provide competitive rates.
More salary data for Lakewood, WA:
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 $72,637 for surgical technologistsin the Lakewood 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 Lakewood 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