Surgical Technologist Salary in Gilbert, AZ: $68,820 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Gilbert, AZ earns a median $68,820/year (≈ $33.09/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Gilbert's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $69,868 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% above the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, surgical technologists in Gilbert, Arizona can expect to earn a median annual salary of $68,820, which slightly exceeds the national median of $68,141. Local salaries show a significant range, with entry-level positions earning around $48,898 while the top 10% can make as much as $106,671 annually. This data, derived from 2025 BLS estimates projected to 2026, reflects Gilbert's unique market dynamics where surgical technologists work across various facilities, including hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty centers. The structural choices in the healthcare system influence these salaries, with hospitals generally offering more competitive compensation compared to freestanding surgical centers.
About the Gilbert Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,898 | $23.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,149 | $27.95 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,820 | $33.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88,089 | $42.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106,671 | $51.29 |
Median Salary Position
1.00% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gilbert
In Gilbert, AZ, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $57,773 (2026 est.). At $68,820, the local median is 1% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Gilbert: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Gilbert Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Gilbert median: $68,820/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Gilbert Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $67,141 | +2.50% more |
| National Average | $68,141 | +1.00% more |
Surgical Technologists in Gilbert, AZ earn a median of $68,820 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.00% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 2.50% above the Arizona state average of $67,141.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Gilbert has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Gilbert, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $68,820 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $69,868 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,781
2025 BLS Actual
$65,294
2026 Current Est.
$68,820
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Gilbert (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,781 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,205 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,013 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,517 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,214 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,578 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,294 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,820 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,536 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gilbert metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $48,781 (2019) to $65,294 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,536 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,755 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gilbert 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $48,898 – $58,149 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,149 – $68,820 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,820 – $88,089 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $88,089 – $106,671 |
Surg Tech, CST salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual surgical technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Surgical Technologist Job Market in Gilbert
Gilbert's job market for surgical technologists currently employs 49 individuals, which signifies a focused demand for skilled professionals in the area. The cost of living index stands at 98.5, suggesting that while salaries may offer a competitive edge, the overall purchasing power remains slightly below the national average. Among employment venues, hospitals tend to provide the highest pay, particularly for surgical technologists specializing in complex fields like cardiovascular or neurosurgery. Factors that drive salary variations include certifications in robotic surgery, roles involving call coverage, and the influence of specialties on pay scale. To maximize earnings in this local market, pursuing advanced certifications and seeking diverse experiences in high-demand surgical fields can be effective strategies for enhancing career growth and salary potential in Gilbert, AZ.
More salary data for Gilbert, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can surgical technologists make $100K in Gilbert?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted surgical technologist salary in Gilbert?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $65,294 for surgical technologistsin the Gilbert metropolitan area. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Gilbert 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