Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Chillicothe, OH: $88,644 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Chillicothe, OH — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $88,644/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Chillicothe's price premium (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $97,733 in average-cost America. The 44% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For experienced surgical technologists in Chillicothe, Ohio, the potential for top-tier compensation is compelling, with salaries soaring to around $88,644 in 2026 for the highest earners. While the median salary stands at $61,657, the significant gap highlights the advancement opportunities available in this field, especially for professionals boasting over seven years of experience. As these seasoned technologists enhance their skills through specialized training and certifications, they position themselves favorably against the broader market. The salary landscape is competitive, particularly when considering the 5.40% growth rate expected over the next five years, which suggests that those aiming for senior surgical technologist pay in OH are likely to find rewarding prospects ahead, especially in specialized surgical environments.
About the Chillicothe Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chillicothe
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Chillicothe earn between $75,081 and $88,644 per year (2026 est.). This $44,515 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Chillicothe median of $61,657 sits 9.52% below the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Chillicothe | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $61,657 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,081 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $88,644 | $102,175 |
In Chillicothe, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 43.77% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Chillicothe
Advanced Certifications in Ohio
OH surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $61,657 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Chillicothe employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Chillicothe command premium compensation, often reaching the $75,081–$88,644 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Chillicothe 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 Chillicothe 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 Ohio 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 Chillicothe
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedChillicothe ranks #51 of 67 Ohio cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $88,644).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Chillicothe ($88,644) is 1.19% above the Ohio average P90 ($87,605).
2019 BLS Actual
$61,944
2025 BLS Actual
$84,102
2026 Current Est.
$88,644
2019–2027 Growth
+50.8%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Chillicothe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,944 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,428 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,883 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,156 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,138 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,877 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,102 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $88,644 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $93,430 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Chillicothe saw their compensation grow 35.8% from $61,944 in 2019 to $84,102 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 $93,430 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chillicothe 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 Chillicothe
Compensation for senior-level surgical technologists in Chillicothe varies significantly depending on their chosen specialty and work environment. Specializations such as cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, and pediatric surgery substantially command higher wages, reflecting the expertise required in these areas. Employers range from hospital operating rooms and ambulatory surgery centers to military and travel surgical tech agencies, each offering different pay scales and incentives. As professionals in this field seek to advance their careers, they can consider roles such as surgical first assistant or OR supervisor. Attaining advanced credentials like CST certification and additional training on robotic systems can greatly enhance earning potential in this evolving market. Furthermore, benefits extending beyond the paycheck, such as stipends for robotic surgery certifications and on-call compensation, contribute to the overall attractiveness of senior surgical technologist roles in Chillicothe.
More salary data for Chillicothe, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Chillicothe in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Chillicothe?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Chillicothe?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Chillicothe?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Chillicothe?
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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 $84,102 for surgical technologists in the Chillicothe 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 Chillicothe 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