Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Lowell, MA: $60,427 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Lowell, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $60,427 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lowell's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $55,693 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($82,978) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
A new graduate entering the surgical technologist field in Lowell, Massachusetts, can expect an entry-level salary around $60,427 in 2026. This starting pay is notably lower than the city median of $82,978, indicating that new grads may need to navigate their initial years strategically to bridge this gap. Over the first three to five years, as experience accumulates, there’s a realistic potential for growth in earnings, with chances to advance toward the P25 figure of $70,871 and ultimately the median. The projected growth rate of 5.40% annually suggests that the Lowell job market is favorable for surgical technologists, providing opportunities for recent graduates to gain experience and develop their skills in a thriving healthcare sector.
About the Lowell Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lowell
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lowell
Entry-level surgical technologists in Lowell, MA typically start between $60,427 and $70,871 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $67,317 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $82,978 — 21.77% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Massachusetts of $20,000 represents just 33.10% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($60,427/year) in Lowell. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAAHEP/ARC-STSA-accredited surgical technology program data and community college tuition reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type (community college vs. private vocational) and program length.
Surg Tech, CST Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Lowell
- 1Research the Lowell market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $60,427 to $70,871, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the surgical services field — employers in MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Lowell, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Lowell for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lowell's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Surgical Technologist Compensation Range
The surgical technologist wage spread in Lowell is $67,317 ( 111.40%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $60,427, experienced hygienists can earn up to $127,744.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$41,707
2025 BLS Actual
$57,331
2026 Current Est.
$60,427
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Lowell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,707 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,580 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,087 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,495 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,717 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,311 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,331 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,427 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,690 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Lowell, MA grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $41,707 in 2019 to $57,331 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $63,690. New graduates entering the Lowell job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lowell 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.
Starting Your surgical services Career in Lowell
In Lowell, various healthcare facilities are looking to hire entry-level surgical technologists, including hospital operating rooms, which typically prefer new graduates for general specialty rotations. Ambulatory surgery centers may appeal to those seeking a no-call work lifestyle, while specialty surgical centers that focus on areas like orthopedics and ophthalmology often prefer experienced surgical technologists. To improve starting salaries in Massachusetts, securing a diploma or an associate's degree from a CAAHEP-accredited program is essential due to federal hiring standards implemented in 2021. Additionally, obtaining the CST certification through NBSTSA and any necessary state registration enhances job prospects, while pursuing optional certifications in areas like robotic surgery (da Vinci) can significantly improve earning potential. New surgical technologists should anticipate salary growth as they gain experience in their first few years, particularly if they focus on specialties like cardiovascular and neurosurgery, which tend to offer higher compensation.
More salary data for Lowell, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new surgical services graduates. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Lowell. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lowell 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