Surgical Technologist Salary in Billings, MT: $57,886 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Billings, MT earns a median $57,886/year (≈ $27.83/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Billings's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.5), that paycheck buys what $61,893 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 11.7% below the Montana state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, surgical technologists in Billings, Montana, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $57,886. This represents a significant aspect of career earnings in the region, especially given the full salary range that extends from $39,725 at the 10th percentile to $82,476 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, highlight the potential financial rewards particularly for those specialized in robotics, including robotic surgery certification. The job market reflects a growing demand for surgical technologists in Billings, driven by advancements and increased complexity of surgical procedures, making it an appealing career choice for aspiring healthcare professionals.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,725 | $19.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,813 | $20.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,886 | $27.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69,258 | $33.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82,476 | $39.65 |
Median Salary Position
15.05% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Billings
In Billings, MT, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,751 (2026 est.). At $57,886, the local median is 15.05% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Billings: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Billings Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Billings median: $57,886/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Billings Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Average | $65,556 | -11.70% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -15.05% less |
Surgical Technologists in Billings, MT earn a median of $57,886 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.05% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 11.70% below the Montana state average of $65,556.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Billings has a cost of living 6.47% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Billings, MT has a cost-of-living index of 93.526 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $57,886 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $61,893 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.92% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,031
2025 BLS Actual
$54,920
2026 Current Est.
$57,886
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Billings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,031 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,080 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,660 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,910 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,070 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,870 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,920 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,886 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,012 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Billings metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $41,031 (2019) to $54,920 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,012 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,981 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Billings 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) | $39,725 – $42,813 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,813 – $57,886 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,886 – $69,258 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $69,258 – $82,476 |
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 Billings
The job market in Billings comprises around 140 surgical technologists, indicating a localized demand for skilled professionals. The cost of living index in the area sits at 93.526, which is below the national average and suggests that surgical technologists will find their salaries go further in terms of purchasing power. For those looking to maximize their earnings in Billings, working in high-demand environments such as hospital operating rooms or specialty surgical centers—especially those focused on cardiovascular or neurosurgery—can be particularly lucrative. Factors that contribute to the variation in salaries include specialty certifications, like those in robotic surgery, shifts in call coverage, and roles taking on surgical first assistant tasks. For anyone pursuing a career in surgical technology, focusing on continuous education and specialized training will enhance opportunities for better compensation in this dynamic field.
More salary data for Billings, MT:
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 $54,920 for surgical technologistsin the Billings 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, 6-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