Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Bellevue, NE: $43,177 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Bellevue, NE job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $43,177 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bellevue's local price level (BEA RPP 91.5 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,188 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($60,375) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Completing a surgical technologist program can lead to a promising start in Bellevue, Nebraska, where the entry-level surgical technologist salary is projected at $43,177 in 2026. While this figure is below the city's median annual salary of $60,375, it does reflect a realistic expectation for fresh graduates entering the field. With potential for growth as experience is gained, new graduates can expect their salaries to progress to around $51,013 by reaching the 25th percentile and possibly approach the median level within three to five years. Although there is a gap to bridge initially, the Bellevue market presents favorable conditions for new surgical technologists, particularly considering the local demand for healthcare services.
About the Bellevue Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bellevue
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 Bellevue
Entry-level surgical technologists in Bellevue, NE typically start between $43,177 and $51,013 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $48,527 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $60,375 — 11.4% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Nebraska of $10,000 represents just 23.16% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($43,177/year) in Bellevue. 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 Bellevue
- 1Research the Bellevue market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $43,177 to $51,013, 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 NE often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bellevue, 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 Bellevue for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bellevue's below-average 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 Bellevue is $48,527 ( 112.39%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $43,177, experienced hygienists can earn up to $91,704.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,801
2025 BLS Actual
$40,965
2026 Current Est.
$43,177
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Bellevue (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,801 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,425 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,931 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,652 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,239 | Actual |
| 2024 | $33,183 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,965 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,177 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,509 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Bellevue, NE grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,801 in 2019 to $40,965 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $45,509. New graduates entering the Bellevue job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bellevue 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 Bellevue
In Bellevue, healthcare systems and hospitals are the primary employers of new graduate surgical technologists, frequently offering positions in surgical suites with general specialty rotations. Ambulatory surgery centers can be appealing to those seeking a no-call lifestyle, although they may have fewer openings compared to hospital operating rooms. Graduates can increase their entry level surgical technologist pay in NE by obtaining their CST certification from the NBSTSA, a standard mandated for hiring since 2021, which typically requires completion of a CAAHEP-accredited program. In the first few years of a surgical technologist's career, specializing in high-demand areas like cardiovascular or neurosurgery can lead to impressive salary growth, while pursuing robotic surgery certifications may provide a significant edge in the job market. Understanding and meeting the evolving needs of Bellevue's healthcare landscape will help new surgical technologists navigate their early careers effectively.
More salary data for Bellevue, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for surgical technologists in Bellevue 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 Bellevue. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bellevue 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