Surgical Technologist Salary in Dunedin, FL: $62,382 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Dunedin, FL earns a median $62,382/year (≈ $29.99/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Dunedin's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $61,887 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.2% below the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Salaries for surgical technologists in Dunedin, Florida, reflect the dynamics of the local healthcare system, with a projected median annual pay of $62,382 for 2026. This compensation is slightly below the national median of $68,141, with salaries ranging from $47,013 at the low end (10th percentile) to $90,902 at the high end (90th percentile). The data, derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments, suggests a growing demand for surgical technologists as healthcare facilities expand. With both hospitals and specialty surgical centers in the area, there are diverse employment opportunities that can impact pay considerably. Understanding the local market can help aspiring surgical technologists make informed career decisions.
About the Dunedin Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,013 | $22.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,272 | $26.10 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,382 | $29.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,164 | $36.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90,902 | $43.70 |
Median Salary Position
8.45% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dunedin
In Dunedin, FL, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,889 (2026 est.). At $62,382, the local median is 8.45% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Dunedin: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Dunedin Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Dunedin median: $62,382/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dunedin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $65,117 | -4.20% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -8.45% less |
Surgical Technologists in Dunedin, FL earn a median of $62,382 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.45% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 4.20% below the Florida state average of $65,117.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dunedin has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Dunedin, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $62,382 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $61,887 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,218
2025 BLS Actual
$59,186
2026 Current Est.
$62,382
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Dunedin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,218 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,509 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,428 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,230 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,487 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,235 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,186 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,382 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,751 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dunedin metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $44,218 (2019) to $59,186 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,751 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,533 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dunedin 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) | $47,013 – $54,272 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,272 – $62,382 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,382 – $76,164 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,164 – $90,902 |
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 Dunedin
In Dunedin, the job market for surgical technologists appears relatively stable, with only six individuals currently employed in this role. The cost of living index is slightly above the national average at 100.8, which can affect take-home pay and living standards in the area. Among local employers, those in hospital operating rooms typically offer higher wages compared to ambulatory surgery centers and specialty surgical units. Factors influencing salary variability include specialization, such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery, which tend to have higher compensation than general surgery roles. Moreover, skills in robotic surgery can qualify technicians for premium pay, as many facilities seek certified surgical first assistants. For professionals in the field, pursuing additional certifications and specializations may offer strategies to maximize surgical technologist pay in Dunedin, FL.
More salary data for Dunedin, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do surgical technologists make in Dunedin, FL in 2026?
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Can surgical technologists make $100K in Dunedin?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted surgical technologist salary in Dunedin?
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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 $59,186 for surgical technologistsin the Dunedin 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 Dunedin 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