Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Tualatin, OR: $100,398 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Tualatin, OR — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $100,398/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Tualatin's price premium (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $97,854 in average-cost America. The 49% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tualatin, Oregon, seasoned surgical technologists have the potential to earn significant salaries, particularly in top-tier positions. The projected 2026 salary for those in the 90th percentile reaches an impressive $100,398, while those in the 75th percentile can expect to earn around $79,727. This potential for high earnings is fueled by a notable experience premium, with the median annual salary of $67,167 indicating a distinct separation from top earners. To achieve such elevated compensation levels, surgical technologists must typically focus on gaining extensive experience, pursuing specialized training in high-demand fields, and obtaining certifications that showcase their expertise.
About the Tualatin Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tualatin
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Tualatin earn between $79,727 and $100,398 per year (2026 est.). This $49,301 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Tualatin median of $67,167 sits 1.43% below the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Tualatin | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $67,167 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,727 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $100,398 | $102,175 |
In Tualatin, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 49.48% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Tualatin
Advanced Certifications in Oregon
OR surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $67,167 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Tualatin employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Tualatin command premium compensation, often reaching the $79,727–$100,398 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Tualatin 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 Tualatin 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 Tualatin
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedTualatin ranks #13 of 36 Oregon cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $100,398).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Tualatin ($100,398) is 2.61% below the Oregon average P90 ($103,091).
2019 BLS Actual
$70,158
2025 BLS Actual
$95,254
2026 Current Est.
$100,398
2019–2027 Growth
+50.8%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Tualatin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,158 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,838 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,619 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,194 | Actual |
| 2023 | $81,704 | Actual |
| 2024 | $96,557 | Actual |
| 2025 | $95,254 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $100,398 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $105,819 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Tualatin saw their compensation grow 35.8% from $70,158 in 2019 to $95,254 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 $105,819 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tualatin 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 Tualatin
Looking closely at the factors influencing senior surgical technologist pay in Tualatin, several specialties stand out as particularly lucrative. Roles within cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, and robotic surgery, especially those certified in the da Vinci system, command higher salaries due to their complexity and skill demands. Additionally, compensation varies significantly depending on the type of employer. For example, those employed in hospital operating rooms or specialty surgical centers such as orthopedic or cardiothoracic facilities often earn more than those in ambulatory surgical settings or travel positions. Career progression is also an attractive pathway for experienced surgical technologists; opportunities for advancement into leadership roles such as OR supervisor or surgical first assistant (CSFA) are common for those who pursue further qualifications, including the CST credential. Non-salary benefits like on-call pay, specialty bonuses, and premiums for trauma center designations can further enhance total compensation, making Tualatin an appealing location for senior surgical technologists.
More salary data for Tualatin, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Tualatin in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Tualatin?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Tualatin?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Tualatin?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Tualatin?
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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 $95,254 for surgical technologists in the Tualatin 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 Tualatin 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