Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Jacksonville, NC: $45,055 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Jacksonville, NC job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $45,055 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Jacksonville's local price level (BEA RPP 93.6 — 6% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $48,136 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,515) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the surgical technologist field in Jacksonville, North Carolina, can expect an entry-level salary starting at around $45,055 in 2026. While this figure is a notable beginning, it falls short of the city’s median annual salary of $64,515. With experience, new professionals have a clear trajectory for salary growth, moving from the P10 value to the P25 level of $53,501, eventually reaching the median over the first three to five years. Given the overall salary range, aspiring surgical technologists may find Jacksonville a promising market currently, especially with a 5.40% annual growth rate projected for the sector. Setting realistic expectations at the start can lead to a financially rewarding career as they establish themselves in the healthcare field.
About the Jacksonville Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Jacksonville
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 Jacksonville
Entry-level surgical technologists in Jacksonville, NC typically start between $45,055 and $53,501 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $48,901 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,515 — 5.32% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in North Carolina of $8,000 represents just 17.76% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($45,055/year) in Jacksonville. 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 Jacksonville
- 1Research the Jacksonville market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $45,055 to $53,501, 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 NC often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Jacksonville, 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 Jacksonville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Jacksonville'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 Jacksonville is $48,901 ( 108.54%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $45,055, experienced hygienists can earn up to $93,956.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,097
2025 BLS Actual
$42,747
2026 Current Est.
$45,055
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Jacksonville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,097 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,749 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,363 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,159 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,815 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,376 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,747 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,055 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,488 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Jacksonville, NC grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,097 in 2019 to $42,747 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $47,488. New graduates entering the Jacksonville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville
In Jacksonville, hospitals, and ambulatory surgery centers are key employers of new surgical technologists. Hospitals typically hire recent graduates and offer a variety of rotations, while outpatient facilities provide a no-call lifestyle, making them attractive for new entrants. For those seeking to enhance their earning potential, obtaining a diploma or an associate's degree from a CAAHEP-accredited program is crucial, along with the CST certification from NBSTSA. Continuing education options, such as robotic surgery training, are increasingly relevant, as they can differentiate candidates in the job market. Salary advancement within the first few years tends to be moderate, with a likely increase nearing the P25 salary bracket as graduates gain experience and possibly specialize in high-demand areas like cardiovascular or neurosurgery. Prioritizing completion of certification and ongoing education will be vital in capitalizing on Jacksonville's burgeoning medical sector.
More salary data for Jacksonville, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for surgical technologists in Jacksonville in 2026?
How fast do surgical technologist salaries grow in Jacksonville?
Is surgical services school worth it in Jacksonville?
What do new surgical technologists make right out of school in Jacksonville?
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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 Jacksonville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Jacksonville 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