Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Medford, MA: $124,276 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Medford, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $124,276/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Medford's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $114,540 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 Medford, Massachusetts, senior surgical technologists can significantly boost their earnings with a projected 2026 median annual salary of $81,768, while top earners in the 90th percentile may command up to $124,276. This represents a substantial salary increase in comparison to the national median of $68,141, placing Medford's top-tier pay approximately 20% higher. The gap between the median and top earners highlights the potential rewards for those who attain advanced certifications and gain years of experience in specialized surgical fields. For senior surgical technologists looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing advanced roles and certifications is essential, as these factors play a vital role in achieving the upper echelons of compensation in this growing market.
About the Medford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Medford
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Medford earn between $99,301 and $124,276 per year (2026 est.). This $62,932 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Medford median of $81,768 sits 20% above the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Medford | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $81,768 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $99,301 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $124,276 | $102,175 |
In Medford, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 51.99% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Medford
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $81,768 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Medford employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Medford command premium compensation, often reaching the $99,301–$124,276 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Medford 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 Medford 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 Medford
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMedford ranks #11 of 58 Massachusetts cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $124,276).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Medford ($124,276) is 5.27% above the Massachusetts average P90 ($118,051).
2019 BLS Actual
$86,844
2025 BLS Actual
$117,909
2026 Current Est.
$124,276
2019–2027 Growth
+50.8%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Medford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $86,844 | Actual |
| 2020 | $88,924 | Actual |
| 2021 | $92,367 | Actual |
| 2022 | $95,553 | Actual |
| 2023 | $101,136 | Actual |
| 2024 | $106,731 | Actual |
| 2025 | $117,909 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $124,276 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $130,987 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Medford saw their compensation grow 35.8% from $86,844 in 2019 to $117,909 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 $130,987 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Medford 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 Medford
Specialization can dramatically affect compensation for experienced surgical technologists in Medford, particularly in advanced fields such as cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, and robotic surgery, including da Vinci certifications. Compensation can also differ greatly based on employer type; for instance, surgical techs in larger hospital operating rooms might earn higher salaries compared to those at ambulatory surgery centers or specialty surgical units. Advancement opportunities abound, with potential pathways leading to leadership roles like lead surgical technologist or operating room supervisor. Obtaining professional certifications, such as CST from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting, could elevate one’s expertise and salary potential in Massachusetts. Other non-salary compensation considerations, including specialty hospital affiliations, call coverage, and stipends for advanced skills, further enhance the overall financial benefits that senior surgical technologists can enjoy in the region.
More salary data for Medford, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Medford in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Medford?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Medford?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Medford?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Medford?
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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 $117,909 for surgical technologists in the Medford 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 Medford 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