Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Wilmington, NC: $69,332 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Wilmington, NC — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $69,332/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Wilmington's price premium (BEA RPP 96.4, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $71,905 in average-cost America. The 8% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, senior surgical technologists in Wilmington, North Carolina, have the potential to earn a median annual salary of $64,189, with top earners reaching approximately $69,332. This P90 figure reflects a competitive edge for experienced professionals in a market where advanced qualifications and specializations can narrow the gap between the median pay and peak salaries. While the overall compensation falls slightly below the national median of $68,141, the experience premium in Wilmington provides a unique opportunity for those who have invested in their career development, advanced certifications, and specialized training. Achieving top-tier pay in this area requires not only a solid foundation in surgical technology but also the ability to adapt to emerging surgical techniques and technologies, keeping one competitive among peers.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wilmington
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Wilmington earn between $65,190 and $69,332 per year (2026 est.). This $24,463 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Wilmington median of $64,189 sits 5.8% below the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Wilmington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $64,189 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,190 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $69,332 | $102,175 |
In Wilmington, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 8.01% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Wilmington
Advanced Certifications in North Carolina
NC surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $64,189 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Wilmington employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Wilmington command premium compensation, often reaching the $65,190–$69,332 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Wilmington 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 Wilmington 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 North Carolina 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 Wilmington
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedWilmington ranks #44 of 44 North Carolina cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $69,332).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Wilmington ($69,332) is 16.43% below the North Carolina average P90 ($82,960).
2019 BLS Actual
$49,710
2025 BLS Actual
$65,780
2026 Current Est.
$69,332
2019–2027 Growth
+47.0%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Wilmington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,710 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,200 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,450 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,660 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,820 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,240 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,780 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,332 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,076 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Wilmington saw their compensation grow 32.3% from $49,710 in 2019 to $65,780 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 $73,076 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wilmington 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 Wilmington
Compensation for senior surgical technologists in Wilmington varies significantly based on specialization, with fields such as cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, and robotic surgery (especially with da Vinci certification) commanding higher wages compared to general surgery roles. The setting in which these professionals work also impacts salary—hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers tend to offer more lucrative pay compared to ambulatory surgery centers or travel surgical tech agencies. Career advancement into leadership roles, such as OR supervisor or surgical first assistant, often includes additional pay incentives. Furthermore, acquiring advanced credentials, such as the CST certification from the NBSTSA, enhances earning potential. Non-salary compensation factors, like call coverage and certification stipends for specialized roles, play a crucial role in attracting and retaining top talent in this vital field of healthcare in NC.
More salary data for Wilmington, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Wilmington in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Wilmington?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Wilmington?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Wilmington?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Wilmington?
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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 $65,780 for surgical technologists in the Wilmington 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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