Surgical Technologist Salary in Lake Havasu City, AZ: $63,893 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Lake Havasu City, AZ earns a median $63,893/year (≈ $30.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Lake Havasu City's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 94.1), that paycheck buys what $67,900 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.8% below the Arizona state average.
Official BLS data · View source

In 2026, a surgical technologist salary in Lake Havasu City is projected to be around $63,893, showing a slight contrast to the national median of $68,141. This salary falls within a diverse range, with entry-level positions starting as low as $36,574 and top earners reaching up to $110,101. These figures stem from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS data. The introduction of robotic surgery certification has begun to influence compensation trends in this market, providing a pathway for specialists to increase their earnings. This certification not only enhances skills but also adds a valuable credential that can lead to higher pay rates in various medical settings.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,574 | $17.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61,364 | $29.50 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,893 | $30.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81,485 | $39.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $110,101 | $52.93 |
Median Salary Position
6.23% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lake Havasu City
In Lake Havasu City, AZ, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $73,527 (2026 est.). At $63,893, the local median is 6.23% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lake Havasu City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lake Havasu City Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Lake Havasu City median: $63,893/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lake Havasu City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $67,115 | -4.80% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -6.23% less |
Surgical Technologists in Lake Havasu City, AZ earn a median of $63,893 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.23% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 4.80% below the Arizona state average of $67,115.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lake Havasu City has a cost of living 5.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lake Havasu City, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 94.098 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $63,893 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $67,900 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.27% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,760
2025 BLS Actual
$60,620
2026 Current Est.
$63,893
2019–2027 Growth
+44.0%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Lake Havasu City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,760 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,560 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,690 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,770 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,920 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,040 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,620 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,893 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,344 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lake Havasu City metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 29.6% from $46,760 (2019) to $60,620 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,344 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,584 (44.02%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lake Havasu City 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) | $36,574 – $61,364 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $61,364 – $63,893 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,893 – $81,485 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $81,485 – $110,101 |
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 Lake Havasu City
Currently, Lake Havasu City employs about 50 surgical technologists which reflects a robust job market considering the city's cost of living index of 94.098, indicating affordability relative to the national average. Employers including hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers, particularly those focusing on orthopedic and cardiothoracic procedures, tend to offer the most competitive salaries. The pay disparity within the profession is influenced by factors such as specialty area, with cardiovascular and neurosurgery roles garnering higher pay than general surgery positions. Additionally, surgical techs with robotic surgery certifications or those working in travel positions may command premium rates. For surgical technologists looking to maximize pay in Lake Havasu City, specializing in high-demand areas, pursuing advanced certifications, and remaining flexible with job opportunities can significantly enhance their financial prospects in this evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Lake Havasu City, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do surgical technologists make in Lake Havasu City, AZ 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
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 $60,620 for surgical technologistsin the Lake Havasu City 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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