Surgical Technologist Salary in Erie, CO: $80,238 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Erie, CO earns a median $80,238/year (≈ $38.58/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Erie's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $76,417 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Erie, Colorado, the surgical technologist salary averages around $80,238 in 2026, outperforming the national median by a significant 17.75%. Local salaries range from $58,087 at the lower end to $114,120 for the most experienced specialists. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price parities, reflect not only the base pay but also highlight the potential premium that surgical technologists can earn, especially those specializing in high-demand subfields such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery. The competitive nature of the job market in Erie encourages surgical technologists to pursue certifications in robotic surgery or engage in specialized roles to fully leverage their skills and enhance their earning potential.
About the Erie Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,087 | $27.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $68,046 | $32.72 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $80,238 | $38.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $96,258 | $46.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $114,120 | $54.86 |
Median Salary Position
17.75% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Erie
In Erie, CO, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $56,033 (2026 est.). At $80,238, the local median is 17.75% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Erie: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Erie Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Erie median: $80,238/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Erie Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $81,130 | -1.10% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | +17.75% more |
Surgical Technologists in Erie, CO earn a median of $80,238 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.75% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 1.10% below the Colorado state average of $81,130.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Erie has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Erie, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $80,238 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $76,417 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,874
2025 BLS Actual
$76,127
2026 Current Est.
$80,238
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Erie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,874 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,535 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,145 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,894 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,370 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,412 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,127 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,238 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,571 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Erie metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $56,874 (2019) to $76,127 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $84,571 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,697 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Erie 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) | $58,087 – $68,046 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $68,046 – $80,238 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $80,238 – $96,258 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $96,258 – $114,120 |
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 Erie
Currently, Erie employs five surgical technologists, which points to a small but stable job market. The cost of living index in the area stands at 105, suggesting that while salaries may feel generous, the relative purchasing power can be affected. Surgical technologists in Erie can typically secure higher pay within hospital operating rooms or specialized surgical centers, particularly those focused on orthopedic or cardiothoracic procedures. Factors such as call coverage, additional certifications, and trauma center status create a wide salary spread in this field. To maximize earnings, professionals should prioritize obtaining specialty certifications, such as those for robotic surgery, and be open to travel assignments, which often offer higher compensation. Therefore, surgical technologists aiming for elevated salaries should strategically navigate the job landscape in Erie, CO, to position themselves in the best-paying roles.
More salary data for Erie, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $76,127 for surgical technologistsin the Erie 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 Erie 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