Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Woburn, MA: $58,730 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Woburn, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $58,730 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Woburn's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $54,129 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($78,730) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those embarking on a career as a surgical technologist in Woburn, MA, the starting salary is projected to be around $58,730 in 2026. This figure places new graduates significantly below the city's median annual salary of $78,730, highlighting a potential $20,000 gap. However, as entry-level technicians gain experience, their salaries can progress to approximately $66,053 after a few years, illustrating a growth trajectory that leads toward the median salary. Given Woburn's demand for surgical technologists, new graduates can view this area as a favorable market to enter, supported by a healthy growth rate of 5.40% annually over the next five years.
About the Woburn Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Woburn
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 Woburn
Entry-level surgical technologists in Woburn, MA typically start between $58,730 and $66,053 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $54,894 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $78,730 — 15.54% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Massachusetts of $20,000 represents just 34.05% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($58,730/year) in Woburn. 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 Woburn
- 1Research the Woburn market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $58,730 to $66,053, 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 Woburn, 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 Woburn for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Woburn'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 Woburn is $54,894 ( 93.47%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $58,730, experienced hygienists can earn up to $113,624.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$40,535
2025 BLS Actual
$55,721
2026 Current Est.
$58,730
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Woburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,535 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,384 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,793 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,134 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,293 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,800 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,721 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,730 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,901 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Woburn, MA grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $40,535 in 2019 to $55,721 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $61,901. New graduates entering the Woburn job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Woburn 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 Woburn
In Woburn, various healthcare facilities actively recruit new surgical technologists, primarily through hospital operating rooms. These institutions often provide opportunities for recent graduates who can transition from a general specialty rotation to more specialized roles. Ambulatory surgery centers also appeal to early-career professionals, offering a no-call work environment, which can be attractive for work-life balance. To enhance starting pay in Massachusetts, candidates should consider attaining their CST certification from the NBSTSA after completing a diploma or associate's degree from a CAAHEP-accredited program. This certification has become the federal standard since 2021. Moreover, acquiring skills in high-demand areas such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery or obtaining robotic surgery (da Vinci) certification can further differentiate candidates in the job market. Expect salary growth in the first few years to be shaped by these credentials and the evolving demands of the surgical technology field.
More salary data for Woburn, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for surgical technologists in Woburn in 2026?
How fast do surgical technologist salaries grow in Woburn?
Is surgical services school worth it in Woburn?
What do new surgical technologists make right out of school in Woburn?
How do I become a surgical technologist in Massachusetts?
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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 Woburn. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Woburn 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