Surgical Technologist Salary in Fairmont, WV: $54,849 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Fairmont, WV earns a median $54,849/year (≈ $26.37/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Fairmont's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.5), that paycheck buys what $63,409 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.9% below the West Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Fairmont, West Virginia, surgical technologists can expect a median annual salary of $54,849 in 2026, which is significantly below the national median of $68,141. The projected salary range reveals a low of $43,073 at the 10th percentile, while top earners can make as much as $77,651 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, based on 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional price variations, reflect the unique nuances of the local healthcare market. Fairmont's job outlook for surgical technologists, particularly those in specialties like cardiovascular and neurosurgery, suggests enhanced earning potential as these areas command higher compensation. Mastery in niche specialties, especially with certification in robotic surgery, can further elevate pay prospects in this locality.
About the Fairmont Market
Salary estimated from West Virginia average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,073 | $20.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,604 | $23.37 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,849 | $26.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,046 | $31.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77,651 | $37.33 |
Median Salary Position
19.51% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fairmont
In Fairmont, WV, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,578 (2026 est.). At $54,849, the local median is 19.51% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fairmont: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fairmont Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Fairmont median: $54,849/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fairmont Pays |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia Average | $58,914 | -6.90% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -19.51% less |
Surgical Technologists in Fairmont, WV earn a median of $54,849 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.51% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 6.90% below the West Virginia state average of $58,914.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fairmont has a cost of living 13.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fairmont, WV has a cost-of-living index of 86.5 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $54,849 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $63,409 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,878
2025 BLS Actual
$52,039
2026 Current Est.
$54,849
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Fairmont (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,878 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,013 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,063 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,044 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,787 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,417 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,039 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,849 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,811 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fairmont metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $38,878 (2019) to $52,039 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,811 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,933 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairmont 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) | $43,073 – $48,604 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,604 – $54,849 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,849 – $66,046 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,046 – $77,651 |
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 Fairmont
Currently, only four surgical technologists are employed in the Fairmont area, illustrating a competitive market. With a cost-of-living index sitting at 86.5, the financial landscape offers a relatively lower living expense compared to national averages, which translates into better purchasing power for local wages. Surgical technologist pay in Fairmont, WV, varies by setting—hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical centers generally offer the most competitive rates. Factors influencing disparities in salaries include specialization, availability for call coverage, and potential stipends for certifications like robotic surgery. For those aiming to maximize their surgical technologist salary in Fairmont, pursuing advanced certifications, gaining experience in specialty areas, and considering roles that involve trauma center responsibilities can lead to substantially increased earnings.
More salary data for Fairmont, WV:
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 $52,039 for surgical technologistsin the Fairmont 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 Fairmont 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