Surgical Technologist Salary in Butte, MT: $63,705 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Butte, MT earns a median $63,705/year (≈ $30.63/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Butte's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.2), that paycheck buys what $66,221 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the Montana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Surgical technologists in Butte, Montana, can expect a median annual salary of $63,705 in 2026, reflecting a competitive pay scale when factoring in local specialties such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery that command higher premiums. The salary range for surgical technologists fluctuates considerably, with entry-level positions earning around $44,479 and the top 10% making approximately $94,541 annually. These figures are informed by 2025 BLS data, adjusted for the regional cost of living in Butte, which sits below the national average. As the healthcare sector in the area grows, opportunities, particularly in specialized surgical settings, are likely to increase, potentially enhancing earnings for qualified candidates.
About the Butte Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,479 | $21.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,081 | $26.48 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,705 | $30.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,821 | $37.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94,541 | $45.45 |
Median Salary Position
6.51% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Butte
In Butte, MT, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,062 (2026 est.). At $63,705, the local median is 6.51% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Butte: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Butte Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Butte median: $63,705/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Butte Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Average | $65,540 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -6.51% less |
Surgical Technologists in Butte, MT earn a median of $63,705 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.51% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 2.80% below the Montana state average of $65,540.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Butte has a cost of living 3.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Butte, MT has a cost-of-living index of 96.2 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $63,705 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $66,221 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.95% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,155
2025 BLS Actual
$60,441
2026 Current Est.
$63,705
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Butte (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,155 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,474 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,370 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,317 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,664 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,354 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,441 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,705 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,145 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Butte metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $45,155 (2019) to $60,441 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,145 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,990 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Butte 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) | $44,479 – $55,081 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,081 – $63,705 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,705 – $78,821 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,821 – $94,541 |
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 Butte
The local job market for surgical technologists in Butte is quite concentrated, with only seven professionals currently employed. The cost-of-living index in Butte stands at 96.2, which means that although salaries are slightly less than the national average, purchasing power remains relatively stable. Employers including hospital operating rooms, specialty surgical centers, and ambulatory surgery facilities typically offer the most lucrative contracts. Factors driving the disparity in salaries include specialty training in fields like cardiovascular and neuro, certifications in robotic surgery, and potential stipends for serving in surgical first assistant roles. To maximize pay in Butte, candidates should focus on obtaining additional certifications and considering travel surgical tech opportunities, both of which can significantly enhance earning potential in this emerging market.
More salary data for Butte, 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 $60,441 for surgical technologistsin the Butte 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 Butte 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