Surgical Technologist Salary in Amherst, MA: $81,998 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Amherst, MA earns a median $81,998/year (≈ $39.42/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Amherst's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $75,574 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the surgical technologist salary in Amherst, Massachusetts, is projected to reach $81,998, significantly higher than the national median of $68,141. Salaries in this field exhibit a broad range, spanning from $57,445 at the 10th percentile to $116,865 at the 90th percentile. These figures stem from estimates based on 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional cost factors, indicating an advantageous compensation landscape for surgical technologists in the area. The burgeoning trend of robotic surgery certification is also influencing compensation rates, as facilities increasingly seek technicians skilled in advanced surgical techniques.
About the Amherst Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,445 | $27.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $72,864 | $35.03 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,998 | $39.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $98,516 | $47.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $116,865 | $56.19 |
Median Salary Position
20.34% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Amherst
In Amherst, MA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $59,420 (2026 est.). At $81,998, the local median is 20.34% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Amherst: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Amherst Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Amherst median: $81,998/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Amherst Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $82,743 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | +20.34% more |
Surgical Technologists in Amherst, MA earn a median of $81,998 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.34% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 0.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $82,743.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Amherst has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Amherst, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $81,998 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $75,574 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,122
2025 BLS Actual
$77,797
2026 Current Est.
$81,998
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Amherst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,122 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,819 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,399 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,340 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,935 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,110 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,797 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,998 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,426 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Amherst metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $58,122 (2019) to $77,797 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $86,426 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,304 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Amherst 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) | $57,445 – $72,864 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $72,864 – $81,998 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,998 – $98,516 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $98,516 – $116,865 |
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 Amherst
With only six surgical technologists employed in Amherst, the market remains relatively tight, potentially driving competition for talent. The cost of living index stands at 108.5, above the national average, which impacts take-home purchasing power for those in the field. Employers, including hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers, typically offer the highest pay. Factors influencing salary variations include the type of surgical specialization, with cardiovascular and neurosurgery roles generally commanding the highest rates. Additionally, roles requiring call coverage, travel surgical tech positions, and robotic surgery certification can enhance remuneration. To maximize pay in this specific market, pursuing additional certifications and seeking opportunities in higher-paying specialties can be beneficial strategies for surgical technologists in Amherst, MA.
More salary data for Amherst, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can surgical technologists make $100K in Amherst?
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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 $77,797 for surgical technologistsin the Amherst 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 Amherst 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