Surgical Technologist Salary in Ocala, FL: $62,260 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Ocala, FL earns a median $62,260/year (≈ $29.93/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Ocala's price level (5% below national, BEA RPP 95.2), that paycheck buys what $65,376 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.3% below the Florida state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, surgical technologists in Ocala, Florida, can expect a median annual salary of $62,260, which is approximately 8.63% below the national average for this role, projected at $68,141. The salary range reflects variability based on experience and specialization; entry-level positions start around $39,999 while highly experienced surgical technologists can earn up to $82,338. This data is derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) surveys and highlights the premium that cardiovascular and neurosurgery specialists can command in their pay. With strong regional healthcare facilities, Ocala's job market maintains a steady demand for surgical technologists, especially in specialty areas that require advanced skills and certifications.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,999 | $19.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,823 | $23.96 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,260 | $29.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,047 | $37.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82,338 | $39.59 |
Median Salary Position
8.63% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ocala
In Ocala, FL, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,339 (2026 est.). At $62,260, the local median is 8.63% below the national median of $68,141.
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At 40 hours/week in Ocala: You'd be above the median
How Ocala Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Ocala median: $62,260/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ocala Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $65,057 | -4.30% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -8.63% less |
Surgical Technologists in Ocala, FL earn a median of $62,260 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.63% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 4.30% below the Florida state average of $65,057.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ocala has a cost of living 4.77% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ocala, FL has a cost-of-living index of 95.234 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $62,260 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,376 in an average-cost city — an effective 5% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,131
2025 BLS Actual
$59,070
2026 Current Est.
$62,260
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Ocala (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,131 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,419 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,420 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,980 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,530 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,350 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,070 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,260 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,622 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ocala metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $44,131 (2019) to $59,070 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,622 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,491 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ocala 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) | $39,999 – $49,823 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,823 – $62,260 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,260 – $77,047 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,047 – $82,338 |
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 Ocala
Ocala employs about 140 surgical technologists, indicating a focused local job market. The cost of living index stands at 95.234, suggesting that despite earning less than the national average, residents may enjoy a favorable balance between salary and living expenses. Employers such as hospital operating rooms, specialty surgical centers, and VA surgical units typically offer the most competitive compensation. The pay disparity within the industry here often correlates with specialization; those engaged in more complex surgical procedures, like cardiovascular and neurosurgery, usually reap higher rewards. Additionally, surgical technologists who acquire certifications in robotic surgery or include leadership roles like surgical first assistant can significantly boost their earnings potential. For those seeking to maximize pay in Ocala, pursuing advanced training, specializing in high-demand areas, and gaining experience with first-assistant duties are vital steps toward achieving a more lucrative salary.
More salary data for Ocala, FL:
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 $59,070 for surgical technologistsin the Ocala 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, 5-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