Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Plymouth, MA: $124,693 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Plymouth, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $124,693/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Plymouth's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $114,924 in average-cost America. The 50% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Surgical technologists in Plymouth, Massachusetts, can look forward to attractive salaries in 2026, particularly those with extensive experience and expertise. With the potential to earn as much as $124,693 at the 90th percentile, seasoned surgical techs in this area stand to benefit from a significant experience premium. At a median annual pay of $83,314, the gap to top earners illustrates the financial rewards that come with advanced skills and specialization. Achieving this elite salary level requires dedication, additional certifications, and often a focus on high-demand specialties such as cardiovascular or orthopedic surgery. Professionals in this field should consider pursuing advanced credentials and seeking opportunities in settings that offer competitive compensation packages to maximize their earning potential.
About the Plymouth Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Plymouth
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Plymouth earn between $103,002 and $124,693 per year (2026 est.). This $66,253 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Plymouth median of $83,314 sits 22.27% above the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Plymouth | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $83,314 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $103,002 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $124,693 | $102,175 |
In Plymouth, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 49.67% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Plymouth
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $83,314 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Plymouth employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Plymouth command premium compensation, often reaching the $103,002–$124,693 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Plymouth 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 Plymouth 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 Plymouth
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedPlymouth ranks #10 of 58 Massachusetts cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $124,693).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Plymouth ($124,693) is 5.63% above the Massachusetts average P90 ($118,051).
2019 BLS Actual
$87,136
2025 BLS Actual
$118,305
2026 Current Est.
$124,693
2019–2027 Growth
+50.8%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Plymouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $87,136 | Actual |
| 2020 | $89,223 | Actual |
| 2021 | $92,677 | Actual |
| 2022 | $95,874 | Actual |
| 2023 | $101,476 | Actual |
| 2024 | $107,027 | Actual |
| 2025 | $118,305 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $124,693 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $131,427 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Plymouth saw their compensation grow 35.8% from $87,136 in 2019 to $118,305 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 $131,427 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plymouth 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 Plymouth
In Plymouth, the experience and specialization of surgical technologists can significantly influence compensation. Senior professionals specializing in areas like neurosurgery and robotic surgery (particularly those certified in da Vinci technologies) command higher wages, reflecting the complexity and demand of their roles. Various employer types also play a critical role in salary differentiation—the rates for surgical technologists working in hospital operating rooms may vary widely from those at ambulatory surgery centers or specialty surgical units. Career advancement opportunities are plentiful for those looking to further their careers, with positions available as OR supervisors, surgical first assistants, or even in management roles such as sterile processing supervisor. Earning advanced credentials like CST from the NBSTSA boosts senior surgical technologist pay in MA and positions professionals for leadership opportunities, while responsibilities such as trauma center designation and call coverage may offer non-salary compensation that enhances overall earnings.
More salary data for Plymouth, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Plymouth in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Plymouth?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Plymouth?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Plymouth?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Plymouth?
Related Pages
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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 $118,305 for surgical technologists in the Plymouth 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 Plymouth 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