Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Fall River, MA: $123,999 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Fall River, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $123,999/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Fall River's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $114,285 in average-cost America. The 52% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Fall River, the earning potential for seasoned surgical technologists is particularly striking, especially for those at the pinnacle of their careers. By 2026, the top earners in this role are projected to earn an impressive $123,999 annually, a figure that far surpasses the national average for top surgical technologist salaries at $68,141. This market offers a striking experience premium, with a substantial difference between the median salary of $81,689 and what top professionals can earn. Achieving this level of compensation requires not only extensive experience, typically 7 or more years, but also mastery in specialized areas of surgery such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery, where demand for expertise is highest.
About the Fall River Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fall River
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Fall River earn between $102,223 and $123,999 per year (2026 est.). This $62,841 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Fall River median of $81,689 sits 19.88% above the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Fall River | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $81,689 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $102,223 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $123,999 | $102,175 |
In Fall River, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 51.79% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Fall River
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $81,689 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Fall River employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Fall River command premium compensation, often reaching the $102,223–$123,999 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Fall River metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced surgical technologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured surgical technologists in Fall River with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Surgical Technologists in Massachusetts who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Surgical Technologist Career & Wage Growth Path in Fall River
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedFall River ranks #12 of 58 Massachusetts cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $123,999).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Fall River ($123,999) is 5.04% above the Massachusetts average P90 ($118,051).
2019 BLS Actual
$86,651
2025 BLS Actual
$117,646
2026 Current Est.
$123,999
2019–2027 Growth
+50.8%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Fall River (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $86,651 | Actual |
| 2020 | $88,726 | Actual |
| 2021 | $92,160 | Actual |
| 2022 | $95,340 | Actual |
| 2023 | $100,911 | Actual |
| 2024 | $106,489 | Actual |
| 2025 | $117,646 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $123,999 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $130,695 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Fall River saw their compensation grow 35.8% from $86,651 in 2019 to $117,646 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.40% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $130,695 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fall River 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.
Maximizing Your Surgical Technologist Earnings in Fall River
The landscape of senior surgical technologist compensation in Fall River is varied, often driven by specialization and the type of employer. Those with advanced skills in high-demand fields, such as robotic surgery and trauma care, can command even greater salaries. Compensation strategies also differ significantly among employers; for instance, hospital operating rooms might offer more robust benefits compared to ambulatory surgical centers. Furthermore, seasoned professionals aspiring to leadership roles can explore advancements to titles like lead surgical technologist or surgical first assistant, roles that come with enhanced pay. Earning additional certifications, such as the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA), can further elevate salary potential. The emphasis on specialized training and credentials in this field reflects a broader trend in surgical technology, where comprehensive qualifications, including CST certification and CAAHEP-accredited education, have become essential standards since 2021.
More salary data for Fall River, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Fall River in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Fall River?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Fall River?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Fall River?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Fall River?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $117,646 for surgical technologists in the Fall River metro area. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fall River 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