Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Taunton, MA: $123,480 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Taunton, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $123,480/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Taunton's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $113,806 in average-cost America. The 51% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Senior surgical technologists in Taunton, Massachusetts can expect a significant compensation scale that highlights their expertise within the field. Projected salaries for top earners demonstrate considerable potential, with the 2026 pay reaching as high as $123,480 at the 90th percentile, which positions them favorably against the national benchmark. The median annual salary of $81,545 reflects the substantial experience premium of advanced practitioners, especially when compared to emerging professionals. Achieving this higher tier requires not just extensive hands-on experience but also a commitment to continuous education, including certifications that align with the evolving demands of surgical specialties. The gap between median and top-tier salaries emphasizes the value placed on specialized skills, showcasing the financial rewards for commitment and proficiency in the surgical technology arena.
About the Taunton Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Taunton
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Taunton earn between $101,863 and $123,480 per year (2026 est.). This $62,659 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Taunton median of $81,545 sits 19.67% above the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Taunton | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $81,545 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $101,863 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $123,480 | $102,175 |
In Taunton, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 51.43% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Taunton
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $81,545 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Taunton employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Taunton command premium compensation, often reaching the $101,863–$123,480 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Taunton 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 Taunton 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 Taunton
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedTaunton ranks #17 of 58 Massachusetts cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $123,480).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Taunton ($123,480) is 4.6% above the Massachusetts average P90 ($118,051).
2019 BLS Actual
$86,288
2025 BLS Actual
$117,154
2026 Current Est.
$123,480
2019–2027 Growth
+50.8%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Taunton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $86,288 | Actual |
| 2020 | $88,355 | Actual |
| 2021 | $91,775 | Actual |
| 2022 | $94,941 | Actual |
| 2023 | $100,488 | Actual |
| 2024 | $106,033 | Actual |
| 2025 | $117,154 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $123,480 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $130,148 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Taunton saw their compensation grow 35.8% from $86,288 in 2019 to $117,154 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 $130,148 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Taunton 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 Taunton
Analyzing the components of senior surgical technologist pay in MA reveals fascinating trends driven by specialty expertise and employer types. Specializations such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery command premium compensation, with robotic surgery certifications bolstering earning potential further in competitive environments. Pay structures can vary significantly among different employers including hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and even travel surgical tech agencies, reflecting both the complexity of procedures and institutional resources. Advancement and leadership opportunities also play a vital role in long-term salary growth; positions such as lead surgical tech or surgical first assistant present viable pathways for those looking to elevate their careers. Moreover, advanced credentials such as the CST, obtained through rigorous training, become essential for maximizing income potential. Elements like call coverage and the choice of working in high-demand specialties also serve to enhance overall compensation, presenting a layered compensation strategy that rewards seniority and specialized skill in the ever-evolving surgical landscape of Taunton.
More salary data for Taunton, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Taunton in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Taunton?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Taunton?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Taunton?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Taunton?
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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 $117,154 for surgical technologists in the Taunton 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 Taunton 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