Surgical Technologist Salary in Richland, WA: $80,697 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Richland, WA earns a median $80,697/year (≈ $38.80/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Richland's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $75,137 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.1% above the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Surgical technologists in Richland, Washington, can expect a median annual salary of $80,697 in 2026, placing the city's pay well above the national median of $68,141. The salary range spans from $57,100 at the lower 10th percentile to $118,246 at the 90th percentile, indicating a robust earning potential for those trained in this critical occupation. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, taking into account local cost-of-living adjustments that reflect the slightly elevated cost of living index of 107.4 in Richland. This local context emphasizes that surgical technologist pay in Richland WA is competitive, particularly when compared to surrounding regions and the specialized healthcare settings available, such as hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical centers.
About the Richland Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,100 | $27.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $67,479 | $32.44 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $80,697 | $38.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $98,496 | $47.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $118,246 | $56.85 |
Median Salary Position
18.43% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Richland
In Richland, WA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $61,146 (2026 est.). At $80,697, the local median is 18.43% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Richland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Richland Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Richland median: $80,697/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Richland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $77,519 | +4.10% more |
| National Average | $68,141 | +18.43% more |
Surgical Technologists in Richland, WA earn a median of $80,697 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.43% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 4.10% above the Washington state average of $77,519.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Richland has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Richland, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $80,697 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $75,137 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,200
2025 BLS Actual
$76,563
2026 Current Est.
$80,697
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Richland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,200 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,870 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,473 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,272 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,779 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,150 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,563 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,697 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,055 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Richland metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $57,200 (2019) to $76,563 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $85,055 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,855 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richland 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) | $57,100 – $67,479 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $67,479 – $80,697 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $80,697 – $98,496 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $98,496 – $118,246 |
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 Richland
The job market for surgical technologists in Richland is comparatively small, with only 15 professionals currently employed in the area. However, this tight-knit job market often leads to opportunities for those willing to enhance their skills, especially in high-demand specialties like cardiovascular or neurosurgery, which command premium pay. Richland's cost-of-living reality means that while the salary figures appear generous, they must also accommodate local expenses. Hospitals typically pay more than ambulatory surgery centers, yet those with robotic surgery certification may find they can negotiate higher compensation. For those looking to maximize their earning potential in Richland, pursuing certifications such as the CST credential from NBSTSA, engaging with AST resources, and considering travel surgical tech opportunities can be effective strategies. The difference in pay scenarios often hinges on additional responsibilities, certification in specialized techniques, or being available for call coverage, which can further define salary outcomes in this region.
More salary data for Richland, 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 $76,563 for surgical technologistsin the Richland 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 Richland 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