Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Ashland, OR: $96,109 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Ashland, OR — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $96,109/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Ashland's price premium (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $93,673 in average-cost America. The 45% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ashland, Oregon, experienced surgical technologists positioned at the top of their profession see median annual salaries projected at $66,267 for 2026, with the top earners (P90) potentially reaching as high as $96,109. This salary range reveals a notable gap, highlighting the premium that seasoned professionals enjoy; while the median reflects a comfortable wage, the disparity with top-tier pay underscores the rewards of long-term commitment and advanced skill acquisition in the field. Achieving such a high-level salary requires more than just experience—it often necessitates specialization, additional certifications, and alignment with in-demand surgical procedures, such as those involving the da Vinci robotic system.
About the Ashland Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ashland
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Ashland earn between $77,358 and $96,109 per year (2026 est.). This $47,922 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Ashland median of $66,267 sits 2.75% below the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Ashland | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $66,267 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,358 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $96,109 | $102,175 |
In Ashland, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 45.03% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Ashland
Advanced Certifications in Oregon
OR surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $66,267 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Ashland employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Ashland command premium compensation, often reaching the $77,358–$96,109 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Ashland 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 Ashland 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 Oregon 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 Ashland
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedAshland ranks #25 of 36 Oregon cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $96,109).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Ashland ($96,109) is 6.77% below the Oregon average P90 ($103,091).
2019 BLS Actual
$67,161
2025 BLS Actual
$91,185
2026 Current Est.
$96,109
2019–2027 Growth
+50.8%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Ashland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,161 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,770 | Actual |
| 2021 | $71,432 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,896 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,214 | Actual |
| 2024 | $92,436 | Actual |
| 2025 | $91,185 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $96,109 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $101,299 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Ashland saw their compensation grow 35.8% from $67,161 in 2019 to $91,185 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 $101,299 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ashland 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 Ashland
Examining the specific dynamics of senior surgical technologist pay in Ashland reveals several key factors influencing compensation levels. For instance, those specializing in areas like cardiovascular or neurosurgery can command premium pay, with differences noticeable when comparing compensation across employer types. Hospitals typically offer different pay scales than ambulatory surgery centers or specialty surgical facilities, which can impact overall earning potential. Moreover, leadership roles such as lead surgical technologist or sterile processing supervisor offer further pathways to increased income. Credentialing is another critical component; obtaining advanced certifications like CSFA can significantly enhance earning prospects. Additionally, non-salary compensation factors such as call coverage, stipends for robotic surgery certification, and travel surgical tech opportunities contribute to overall job appeal and financial reward for seasoned professionals.
More salary data for Ashland, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Ashland in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Ashland?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Ashland?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Ashland?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Ashland?
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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 $91,185 for surgical technologists in the Ashland 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 Ashland 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