Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Hillsboro, OR: $133,156 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Hillsboro, OR — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $133,156/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Hillsboro's price premium (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $129,782 in average-cost America. The 50% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Senior surgical technologists in Hillsboro, OR, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $88,859 in 2026, representing a noteworthy investment in skilled professionals who have over seven years of experience. The compensation potential significantly escalates for top earners as they reach the 90th percentile, where salaries soar to $133,156 annually. This impressive figure is above the national high end of the salary spectrum, highlighting the substantial experience premium associated with advancing in this field. Achieving these top-tier salaries typically requires a combination of refined technical skills, specialized training in high-demand areas, and often, advanced certifications that distinguish seasoned technologists from their peers.
About the Hillsboro Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hillsboro
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Hillsboro earn between $109,674 and $133,156 per year (2026 est.). This $71,336 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hillsboro median of $88,859 sits 30.4% above the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Hillsboro | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $88,859 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $109,674 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $133,156 | $102,175 |
In Hillsboro, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 49.85% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Hillsboro
Advanced Certifications in Oregon
OR surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $88,859 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hillsboro employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Hillsboro command premium compensation, often reaching the $109,674–$133,156 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Hillsboro 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 Hillsboro 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 Hillsboro
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHillsboro ranks #1 of 36 Oregon cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $133,156).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Hillsboro ($133,156) is 29.16% above the Oregon average P90 ($103,091).
2019 BLS Actual
$93,050
2025 BLS Actual
$126,334
2026 Current Est.
$133,156
2019–2027 Growth
+50.8%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Hillsboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $93,050 | Actual |
| 2020 | $95,278 | Actual |
| 2021 | $98,966 | Actual |
| 2022 | $102,381 | Actual |
| 2023 | $108,363 | Actual |
| 2024 | $103,889 | Actual |
| 2025 | $126,334 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $133,156 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $140,346 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Hillsboro saw their compensation grow 35.8% from $93,050 in 2019 to $126,334 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 $140,346 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hillsboro 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 Hillsboro
A variety of factors contribute to the senior surgical technologist pay in Hillsboro, where specialized roles command premium salaries. Those working in high-stakes environments such as cardiovascular or neurosurgical teams often enjoy higher compensation compared to general surgical settings. Hospitals, specialty surgical centers, and ambulatory surgery centers vary in their pay scales, with travel surgical tech positions also offering enticing rates due to their flexibility and demand. For those looking to advance their careers, obtaining certifications such as the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) can open new opportunities for leadership roles, which can further enhance income potential. Additionally, advanced credentials from CAAHEP-accredited programs, along with robotic surgery certifications, not only elevate one’s marketability but also drive salary upwards. Non-salary factors such as call coverage rates and specialty designations play a vital role in total compensation, reflecting the growing complexity and technical expertise required in today's surgical environments.
More salary data for Hillsboro, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Hillsboro in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Hillsboro?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Hillsboro?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Hillsboro?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Hillsboro?
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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 $126,334 for surgical technologists in the Hillsboro 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 Hillsboro 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