Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Medford, MA: $61,344 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Medford, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $61,344 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Medford's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $56,538 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($81,768) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those considering a career as a surgical technologist in Medford, Massachusetts, the starting compensation presents a compelling landscape. Entry-level positions typically offer a salary around $61,344, which is notably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $81,768. New graduates should anticipate climbing the salary ladder as they gain experience, moving from entry-level wages to potentially securing a P25 salary of $71,051 within their first few years. This trajectory not only reflects the robust demand for skilled professionals in the area but also underscores the potential for salary growth within the surgical technology field. Given the expected annual growth rate of 5.40%, Medford represents a favorable job market for those entering this profession in 2026.
About the Medford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Medford
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 Medford
Entry-level surgical technologists in Medford, MA typically start between $61,344 and $71,051 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $62,932 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $81,768 — 20% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Massachusetts of $20,000 represents just 32.60% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($61,344/year) in Medford. 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 Medford
- 1Research the Medford market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $61,344 to $71,051, 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 Medford, 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 Medford for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Medford'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 Medford is $62,932 ( 102.59%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $61,344, experienced hygienists can earn up to $124,276.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$42,340
2025 BLS Actual
$58,201
2026 Current Est.
$61,344
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Medford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,340 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,226 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,786 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,231 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,486 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,120 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,201 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,344 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,656 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Medford, MA grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $42,340 in 2019 to $58,201 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $64,656. New graduates entering the Medford job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Medford 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 Medford
In Medford, hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers frequently hire newly graduated surgical technologists, offering opportunities in a range of surgical specialties. Entry-level roles in hospital operating rooms typically allow for valuable exposure through general specialty rotations, setting the stage for career progression. The pursuit of credentials, including a diploma or associate's degree from a CAAHEP-accredited program, alongside CST certification from the NBSTSA, can significantly influence starting pay in Massachusetts. Additionally, aspects such as maintaining BLS certification and exploring optional pathways like the CSFA can enhance job prospects. During the critical first three years of their careers, new surgical technologists with specialized training in areas like robotic surgery or those choosing to focus on in-demand specializations such as cardiovascular or neurosurgery can realistically expect upward adjustments in their salaries, aligning with the evolving standards in the healthcare field and the federal CST hiring guidelines established post-2021.
More salary data for Medford, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for surgical technologists in Medford in 2026?
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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 Medford. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Medford 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