Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Great Falls, MT: $100,743 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Great Falls, MT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $100,743/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Great Falls's price premium (BEA RPP 96.2, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $104,722 in average-cost America. The 54% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Professionals in the Great Falls surgical community who have honed their skills over seven or more years can expect competitive compensation. In 2026, senior surgical technologists earning at the 90th percentile will see salaries reaching approximately $100,743, which significantly highlights their experience and specialized skills. This top-tier compensation underscores the gap between the median annual salary of $65,376 and the earnings potential for those achieving the highest levels of expertise. To reach this elite pay scale, advanced training and specialization in high-demand areas such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery are often necessary, alongside certifications like CST and recognition in robotic surgery. The economic framework and workforce needs of Great Falls favor those who invest in developing their professional capabilities.
About the Great Falls Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Great Falls
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Great Falls earn between $82,563 and $100,743 per year (2026 est.). This $56,157 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Great Falls median of $65,376 sits 4.06% below the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Great Falls | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $65,376 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,563 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $100,743 | $102,175 |
In Great Falls, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 54.10% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Great Falls
Advanced Certifications in Montana
MT surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $65,376 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Great Falls employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Great Falls command premium compensation, often reaching the $82,563–$100,743 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Great Falls 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 Great Falls 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 Montana 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 Great Falls
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedGreat Falls ranks #2 of 7 Montana cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $100,743).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Great Falls ($100,743) is 9.44% above the Montana average P90 ($92,051).
2019 BLS Actual
$62,150
2025 BLS Actual
$95,582
2026 Current Est.
$100,743
2019–2027 Growth
+70.9%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Great Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,150 | Actual |
| 2020 | $75,040 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,410 | Actual |
| 2022 | $78,290 | Actual |
| 2023 | $81,985 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,791 | Actual |
| 2025 | $95,582 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $100,743 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $106,184 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Great Falls saw their compensation grow 53.8% from $62,150 in 2019 to $95,582 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 $106,184 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Great Falls 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 Great Falls
Compensation dynamics for senior surgical technologists in Great Falls reflect a variety of factors that can influence pay. Specializations in fields such as orthopedic and trauma surgery can command premiums, particularly in hospital settings where complex procedures are routine. Employers also vary; senior surgical technologists working in specialty surgical centers and traveling surgical tech agencies often find higher pay scales due to the unique demands of their roles. Leadership opportunities, including roles such as OR supervisor or surgical first assistant (CSFA), also provide pathways for increased compensation. Enhanced credentials, like those from CAAHEP-accredited programs and the NBSTSA CST certification, further increase earning potential, aligning with federal hiring standards established after 2021. Beyond direct salary, factors such as call coverage and additional certifications can be significant drivers of non-salary compensation for seasoned professionals in this evolving field.
More salary data for Great Falls, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Great Falls in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Great Falls?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Great Falls?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Great Falls?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Great Falls?
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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 $95,582 for surgical technologists in the Great Falls 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 Great Falls 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