Surgical Technologist Salary in Kailua, HI: $80,585 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Kailua, HI earns a median $80,585/year (≈ $38.75/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Kailua's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $67,548 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kailua, Hawaii, surgical technologists can expect a median annual salary of $80,585, significantly surpassing the national average of $68,141 by 18.26%. The salary range for this profession varies considerably, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $58,848 and experienced professionals earning up to $117,515. These figures are based on projections derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, reflecting local economic conditions and the specific demand for healthcare services. Notably, those specializing in cardiovascular and neurosurgery often see a premium in their compensation, as these areas require specialized knowledge and skills that enhance a surgical technologist's value in Kailua's competitive job market.
About the Kailua Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,848 | $28.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $68,529 | $32.95 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $80,585 | $38.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $98,624 | $47.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $117,515 | $56.49 |
Median Salary Position
18.26% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kailua
In Kailua, HI, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,667 (2026 est.). At $80,585, the local median is 18.26% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kailua: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kailua Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Kailua median: $80,585/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kailua Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $81,316 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | +18.26% more |
Surgical Technologists in Kailua, HI earn a median of $80,585 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.26% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 0.90% below the Hawaii state average of $81,316.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kailua has a cost of living 19.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kailua, HI has a cost-of-living index of 119.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $80,585 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $67,548 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,120
2025 BLS Actual
$76,456
2026 Current Est.
$80,585
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Kailua (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,120 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,788 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,392 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,179 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,678 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,870 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,456 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,585 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,936 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kailua metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $57,120 (2019) to $76,456 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $84,936 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,816 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kailua 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) | $58,848 – $68,529 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $68,529 – $80,585 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $80,585 – $98,624 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $98,624 – $117,515 |
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 Kailua
The local job market for surgical technologists in Kailua currently employs six professionals, highlighting relatively limited opportunities despite the attractive salary potential. The cost of living in Kailua is indexed at 119.3, suggesting that while salaries are higher than other regions, purchasing power may be impacted by elevated living expenses. Among employers, surgical technologists can find the highest pay in hospitals and specialty surgical centers, particularly in fields such as orthopedic and cardiothoracic surgery. Factors influencing the compensation scale include the type of specialty, call coverage responsibilities, and additional stipends for robotic surgery certifications. To maximize earnings, surgical technologists should seek continuous education, consider roles in high-demand specialties, and explore travel positions that often pay at the higher end of the scale.
More salary data for Kailua, HI:
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 $76,456 for surgical technologistsin the Kailua 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 Kailua 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