Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Upper Arlington, OH: $88,949 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Upper Arlington, OH — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $88,949/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Upper Arlington's price premium (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $98,069 in average-cost America. The 43% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Upper Arlington, Ohio, senior surgical technologists can expect considerable rewards for their expertise, with a P90 annual salary projected at $88,949 for 2026. This figure highlights a substantial earning potential that far exceeds the median salary of $62,060, showcasing the value placed on experience and specialized skills in this profession. Compared to national top earners, who average $68,141, senior surgical technologists in Upper Arlington may find themselves significantly compensated based on their proficiency in highly skilled surgical areas. Achieving this level of pay necessitates not only years of experience but also continuous professional development, such as obtaining certifications in specialized fields like robotic surgery or traumatic care, which can help professionals position themselves for top-tier salaries in their market.
About the Upper Arlington Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Upper Arlington
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Upper Arlington earn between $76,345 and $88,949 per year (2026 est.). This $43,114 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Upper Arlington median of $62,060 sits 8.92% below the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Upper Arlington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $62,060 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,345 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $88,949 | $102,175 |
In Upper Arlington, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 43.33% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Upper Arlington
Advanced Certifications in Ohio
OH surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $62,060 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Upper Arlington employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Upper Arlington command premium compensation, often reaching the $76,345–$88,949 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Upper Arlington 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 Upper Arlington 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 Upper Arlington
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedUpper Arlington ranks #47 of 67 Ohio cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $88,949).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Upper Arlington ($88,949) is 1.53% above the Ohio average P90 ($87,605).
2019 BLS Actual
$62,158
2025 BLS Actual
$84,392
2026 Current Est.
$88,949
2019–2027 Growth
+50.8%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Upper Arlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,158 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,647 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,110 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,391 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,387 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,012 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,392 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $88,949 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $93,752 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Upper Arlington saw their compensation grow 35.8% from $62,158 in 2019 to $84,392 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 $93,752 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Upper Arlington 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 Upper Arlington
Experienced surgical technologists specializing in high-demand areas can further enhance their pay in Upper Arlington through various avenues. Particularly lucrative roles exist in cardiovascular surgery, orthopedic surgery, and robotic procedures, where expertise can significantly drive compensation. At the senior level, compensation is also influenced by employment settings, such as hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers, which often offer different pay scales due to the complexity and volume of procedures. Advancement opportunities, such as leadership roles like lead surgical tech or sterile processing supervisor, enable financial growth alongside the potential for additional training, like becoming a Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA). Credentials play an integral role; candidates with a CAAHEP-accredited diploma, CST certification through the NBSTSA, and specialized training in high-demand areas can navigate their way to higher salaries in Ohio. Moreover, non-salary benefits, like call coverage and surgical assistant premiums, further augment the overall compensation for seasoned surgical technologists in this region.
More salary data for Upper Arlington, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Upper Arlington in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Upper Arlington?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Upper Arlington?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Upper Arlington?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Upper Arlington?
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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 $84,392 for surgical technologists in the Upper Arlington 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 Upper Arlington 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