Surgical Technologist Salary in Sarasota, FL: $65,077 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Sarasota, FL earns a median $65,077/year (≈ $31.28/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Sarasota's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $64,561 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sarasota, Florida, surgical technologists are projected to earn a median annual salary of $65,077 in 2026, which reflects a slightly lower pay scale compared to the national median of $68,141. This salary range spans from $45,157 at the 10th percentile to $94,743 at the 90th percentile, indicating a robust earning potential for those who specialize in high-demand areas such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery. The figures provided are derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for local cost of living factors, showcasing the financial landscape for surgical technologists in this coastal city. With the steady growth rate of 5.40% over the next five years, the demand for surgical technologists, particularly those with specialized skill sets, is expected to increase, thereby enhancing job prospects in Sarasota's healthcare sector.
About the Sarasota Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,157 | $21.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,949 | $25.94 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,077 | $31.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,861 | $37.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94,743 | $45.55 |
Median Salary Position
4.5% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sarasota
In Sarasota, FL, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,586 (2026 est.). At $65,077, the local median is 4.5% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Sarasota: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Sarasota Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Sarasota median: $65,077/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sarasota Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $68,141 | -4.50% less |
Surgical Technologists in Sarasota, FL earn a median of $65,077 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.50% lower than the national median of $68,141.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sarasota has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Sarasota, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $65,077 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $64,561 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,128
2025 BLS Actual
$61,743
2026 Current Est.
$65,077
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Sarasota (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,128 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,475 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,348 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,444 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,885 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,662 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,743 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,077 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,591 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sarasota metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $46,128 (2019) to $61,743 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,591 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,463 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sarasota 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) | $45,157 – $53,949 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,949 – $65,077 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,077 – $78,861 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,861 – $94,743 |
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 Sarasota
As of now, there are 10 surgical technologists employed in Sarasota, a reflection of the local job market strength. The cost-of-living index in this area stands at 100.8, slightly above the national average, which influences overall purchasing power even as salaries are intentionally positioned below the national standard. Among local employers, surgical technologists generally find the most lucrative opportunities in hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical centers focusing on fields like orthopedic and cardiothoracic surgery. Various factors contribute to the significant variation in pay; surgical technologists focusing on advanced specialties or taking on roles that involve robotic surgery certification, surgical first assistant duties, or being on call can command higher wages. To maximize earnings in Sarasota, aspiring professionals should consider obtaining certifications relevant to high-demand specialties, while also exploring opportunities for travel surgical tech positions that often offer competitive pay rates.
More salary data for Sarasota, 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 $61,743 for surgical technologistsin the Sarasota 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 Sarasota 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