Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Fairfield, OH: $47,813 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Fairfield, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $47,813 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Fairfield's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $52,716 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,893) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Compensation for entry-level surgical technologists in Fairfield, Ohio, is competitive yet reflects a gap compared to the city median of $62,893. New graduates can expect starting salaries around $47,813, with realistic expectations to climb to salaries around $54,875 as they gain experience. This growth trajectory indicates a solid initial earning potential, encouraging new professionals to invest in their careers during the first three to five years. Given the growth rate of 5.40% projected for the surgical technologist field, Fairfield remains a promising market for new graduates seeking to establish their entry into the healthcare sector.
About the Fairfield Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Fairfield
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 Fairfield
Entry-level surgical technologists in Fairfield, OH typically start between $47,813 and $54,875 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $46,157 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,893 — 7.7% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Ohio of $12,000 represents just 25.10% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($47,813/year) in Fairfield. 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 Fairfield
- 1Research the Fairfield market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $47,813 to $54,875, 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 OH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Fairfield, 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 Fairfield for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Fairfield'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 Fairfield is $46,157 ( 96.54%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $47,813, experienced hygienists can earn up to $93,970.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,000
2025 BLS Actual
$45,363
2026 Current Est.
$47,813
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Fairfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,000 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,691 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,466 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,372 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,130 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,713 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,363 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,813 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,394 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Fairfield, OH grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,000 in 2019 to $45,363 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $50,394. New graduates entering the Fairfield job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairfield 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 Fairfield
In Fairfield, hospitals are the primary employers of new graduate surgical technologists, often hiring those with a general specialty rotation. Ambulatory surgery centers might also appeal to new grads due to their no-call lifestyle, providing a balanced work experience as they begin their careers. As employers increasingly seek credentials, earning an associate's degree from a CAAHEP-accredited program and obtaining CST certification through the NBSTSA become critical, aligning with the federal hiring standard established in 2021. While entry-level pay may start on the lower end, those specializing in high-demand areas such as cardiovascular or neurosurgery often see increased pay. Completing certifications in robotic surgery can further enhance a technologist's appeal in the job market. As new grads work towards experience and specialization, a pathway exists for realistic salary growth beyond their initial years in Fairfield's evolving medical landscape.
More salary data for Fairfield, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for surgical technologists in Fairfield in 2026?
How fast do surgical technologist salaries grow in Fairfield?
Is surgical services school worth it in Fairfield?
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How do I become a surgical technologist in Ohio?
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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 Fairfield. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fairfield 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